Statue of Zeus Colouring Page

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was one of the most celebrated artworks of ancient Greece. It stood inside the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, the sanctuary where the ancient Olympic Games were held. The famous sculptor Phidias created the seated figure around the fifth century BCE. Ancient writers described a statue about 12 metres tall, so large that visitors imagined Zeus would break through the temple roof if he stood up. Its wooden framework was covered with plates of ivory to represent skin and gold for clothing, hair and ornaments. This combination is called chryselephantine sculpture, from Greek words for gold and ivory. Precious stones, ebony and painted details added even more splendour. Zeus sat on an elaborately decorated throne. In one hand he held a small winged figure of Nike, the goddess of victory, and in the other he carried a tall staff. The statue represented Zeus as powerful but calm, which is why this child-friendly picture gives him a welcoming expression. The original artwork did not survive. Its exact later history is uncertain, and today scholars study ancient descriptions, coins and archaeological remains from Phidias's workshop to understand how it may have looked. The page therefore shows a clear educational reconstruction, not an exact copy. Start colouring the simple robe with royal blue, deep red, purple or white edged with gold. Use warm cream or light peach for the face and hands, and choose brown, black or golden hair. The throne can combine golden yellow, bronze, rich brown and small jewel colours. Colour the tiny Nike figure pale gold or white with softly coloured wings. The tall staff may be brown with a gold ornament at the top. Use creamy marble, soft grey or pale tan on the temple columns and steps. A little blue sky visible through the open front will help the statue stand out. Follow the broad robe folds with long, curved strokes and use shorter strokes around the beard and hair. Keep the eyes gentle and leave a tiny white highlight. You may add simple red or blue patterns to the throne, but do not crowd the scene. Let the enormous seated figure, the little victory statue and the strong temple columns explain why ancient visitors remembered this artwork as a wonder.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

Download JPEGHigh-resolution A4 image Download PDFPrint-ready A4 file

Make it an activity

Choose a favourite colour palette
Add a simple background
Display the finished artwork

Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.