Praxiteles was a renowned ancient Greek sculptor, active during the 4th century BCE. He is best known for his exquisite marble statues, particularly his representations of Aphrodite, which showcased a blend of realism and idealism, capturing the beauty of the human form. His most famous work, the Aphrodite of Knidos, was groundbreaking as it was one of the first full-scale representations of a nude female figure in Western art. Praxiteles' style influenced many subsequent artists and remains a significant part of the study of classical sculpture.