Pamphilus (painter)

"Pamphilos" redirects here. For the skeleton found in the Antikythera wreck, see Pamphilos (skeleton).

Pamphilus of Amphipolis (Ancient Greek: Πάμφιλος, fourth century BC) was a Macedonian^[1] painter and head of Sicyonian school. Under his influence painting became a regular part of Greek classical education,^[2] and a number of his pupils went on to become well-known painters.

Career

Pamphilus was the disciple of Eupompus, the founder of the Sicyonian school of painting, and worked to establish this school.^[3] Of his own works we have mostly scanty accounts; but he was well known and respected as a teacher of his style of art. Among those who paid price for his tuition were Melanthius, Pausias and Apelles^[4] the painter of Alexander the Great.

According to Pliny, Pamphilus was an educated man, both in literacy and mathematics.^[5] He promoted the importance of education to the development of skilful painting.^[6]

Legacy

The prominence of Pamphilus' school of painting contributed to the acceptance of painting as important to the education of noble youth.^[7] His ideas about the incorporation of mathematical skills in painting were quoted centuries later as evidence that painting was a science.^[8]