Damophon

Damophon (; fl. 2nd century BC) was an ancient Greek sculptor of the Hellenistic period from Messene, known for his many acroliths found in Messene, Megalopolis, Aegium, Lycosura and other cities of the Peloponnesus. Other cities beyond the Peloponnese that Damophon was admired include Leucas, Cephallenia, Kynthos, Melos and Oiantheia.

There has been some debate surrounding the dating of Damophon's statues with historians attributing him to anywhere between the 4th c. BC to the 2nd c. AD. However, recent work at Messene where others of Damophon's sculptures have been found, indicate a date around 180 BC for his floruit. More information about the life of Damophon, and about his work for various other Greek cities, has been provided by an inscription found at Messene, which was uncovered by archaeologists in two parts, in 1972 and 1989. Damophon is also known for his restoration of Phidias' statue of the Greek god Zeus at Olympia, which had been damaged in an earthquake around 183 BC.

Inscriptions Several inscriptions have been found on a Doric column in Messene, praising Damophon for his contributions to various cities. Never taking payments for his works and using materials provided to him, Damophon was celebrated for his piety and humility. In return for his repeated kindness and public service in his artwork, the cities of Lycosura, Kythnos, Leucas, and Oiantheia deemed Damophon proxenos.

All of the Inscriptions include an instruction that a bronze statue or stone stele be placed at a prominent temple to honor his award of proxeny. The column itself was a tribute to Damophon and likely supported a statue.