Polyipnus

Polyipnus was an ancient Greek painter from the island of Thasos. He is mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History. Pliny attributes several paintings to Polyipnus, including depictions of the Battle of Marathon and the Trojan War. He also notes that Polyipnus was the father and teacher of the painter Thasos, who was known for his portraits of gods and heroes. Little else is known about Polyipnus' life or career, and no surviving works are attributed to him. His significance lies in his mention by a major ancient source, suggesting he was a recognized artist of his time. The exact dates of his life are uncertain, but he is generally placed in the 5th century BCE. His association with Thasos, another island known for its artistic contributions, further situates him within the broader context of Greek art history. The limited information available makes it difficult to assess his style or innovations, but his inclusion in Pliny's account indicates he was considered noteworthy by later generations.