Cephisodotus the Elder

Roman copy of <em>Eirene Bearing Plutus</em>Roman copy of a Greek votive statue of Eirene (Peace) Bearing Plutus (Wealth) by Cephisodotus the Elder, from c. 370 bce.

Cephisodotus the Elder (flourished c. 400 bc) was a Greek sculptor, assumed to be the father of Praxiteles. He made certain statues for the city of Megalopolis, founded in 370 bce.

A noted work of his was Eirene (Peace) Bearing Plutus (Wealth), a grouping recalled in Praxiteles’ more-famous Hermes Carrying the Infant Dionysus. Cephisodotus should not be confused with Cephisodotus the Younger, a son of Praxiteles, noted for portrait sculptures, none of which has survived.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Citation Information
Article Title: Cephisodotus the Elder
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 21 February 2024
Access Date: March 14, 2025