Zeuxis was a renowned ancient Greek painter, active during the 5th century BCE. He is often celebrated for his skill in creating realistic and lifelike images, particularly in the depiction of still life and human figures. His work was highly regarded in antiquity, and he was known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. One of the most famous anecdotes about Zeuxis involves a competition with another painter, Parrhasius. In this contest, Zeuxis painted grapes so realistic that birds attempted to peck at them, while Parrhasius cleverly painted a curtain that deceived Zeuxis into thinking it was real. This story highlights Zeuxis's reputation as a master of illusion in painting.