A Spartan ephor standing in himation, wax tablet braced in one hand, stylus in the other, beard, calm executive bearing. The annually-elected magistrate of the Spartan state. Period: Archaic-Classical Sparta, c. 700-200 BCE.
The five ephors - elected for one-year terms - held immense day-to-day executive authority in Sparta. They could fine even kings, presided over the council and assembly, and managed foreign embassies. Aristotle (Politics II.9) describes them as a check on royal power.
Painting tips
- Himation: muted red wool (Spartan iconic) or undyed off-white.
- Tablet: warm wood frame with dark beeswax inset; stylus: bone or bronze.
- Beard: grey or salt-and-pepper.
- Sandals: dark leather.
Historical sources & further reading
- Aristotle, Politics II.9
- Plutarch, Cleomenes
- Herodotus on Spartan magistrates
⚠ Small parts. Not suitable for children under 14.





