Scopas

Scopas (Greek: Σκόπας), also known as Skopas, of Paros, was a Greek sculptor who flourished in the late Classical period, roughly in the mid to late 4th century BCE. He is traditionally regarded as the leading figure of the so‑called Scopian school, a group associated with a highly expressive, emotionally charged style. medieval and modern writers often describe Scopas as a master whose work emphasized pathos, dramatic facial expressions, and a vivid sense of movement. While Paros is the usual attribution for his origin, the scarce surviving evidence means little about his life remains certain.

What is known about Scopas comes primarily from ancient authors such as Pliny the Elder and Pausanias, as well as later Roman copies that preserve elements of his style. No securely identified signed sculpture from Scopas has survived, and attribution of many works to him is debated. He is occasionally linked by tradition to major monumental programs in the Greek world of his era, and at times his name is associated with the sculptural decoration of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, though conclusive proof is lacking.

Stylistically, Scopas is described as favoring strong, dramatic expressions, bold contrapposto, and robust, sometimes angular drapery that reveals the underlying form. This emphasis on emotion and dynamic composition contributed to the transition from the high Classical to a more expressive late Classical style and influenced subsequent Hellenistic sculpture, as well as Roman copies that transmitted his reputation.

In summary, Scopas is remembered as a pivotal late Classical sculptor whose legacy rests on literary testimony and stylistic influence rather than securely identified surviving works.