The Classical period

• Gravestone from Athens. Early 4th century BC
  Cast No. D069

The tradition of the archaic grave reliefs is continued outside Athens, where the practice resumes, in the new style, only towards the end of the 5th century and through the 4th, until halted by a decree against luxury. The reliefs, in the new style, well exploit the calm realism of the figures which for the most part depict the dead as in life, in the calmer moments which may imply a farewell, and they include the best classical studies of women.

• Victory (Nike) by Paionios, at Olympia. Celebrating a victory over Spartans at Sphakteria in 424 BC.
  Cast No. B086a

War also promoted grander monuments celebrating success, placed in the major Greek sanctuaries of Olympia and Delphi, where also there are the many athlete statues and groups for victors in the Games.

The end of the 5th century is marked by Athens' defeat at the hands of fellow Greeks, followed by the rise in importance of various Greek Leagues of states, and, in the north, the growing power of Macedonia. This meant the production of more civic monuments, and even, for the Macedonians, royal family groups.