Phidias was very likely the greatest sculptor among the ancient Greeks. Legend tells us that he was extremely careful when applying the finishing touches to the beautiful statue of Diana which was to adorn the Acropolis in Athens. As he applied his chisel to the rear side of Diana’s head, he shaped each strand of hair with great patience, giving his full attention to the tiniest detail. An observer reminded Phidias that the statue would stand one hundred feet high with its back to a huge marble wall. “Why waste your time on those finishing touches which will not even be seen?” he asked. “Who will ever know such beauty is there?” Phidias replied: “I will!”
Rough and uneven…
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