Paeonius [key], Gr. Paionios, fl. 5th cent. b.c., Greek sculptor from Mende in Thrace. An inscription on the triangular base of the statue of Nike (Victory) at Olympia states that Paeonius made it. This figure is a contemporary version of the bronze original whose base was found at Delphi. It is so much farther advanced in style and execution than the pediment sculptures for the temple of Zeus, Olympia, that modern authorities doubt the statement of Pausanias attributing those of the eastern end of the pediment to this sculptor. The Nike was dedicated by the Messenians and Naupactians, probably to commemorate the siege of Sphacteria in 424 b.c.
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