Mnasitheus or Mnesitheus of Sicyon (Greek: Μνησίθεος) was an ancient Greek painter of some fame mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History.[1]

In 251 BC, a Sicyonian of the same name helped Aratus of Sicyon to liberate his hometown from the tyrant Nicocles, and since Aratus was surrounded by many artists, there is a possibility that this man was the painter mentioned by Pliny or at least a relative.[2]

Notes

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  1. ^ Pliny, Historia Naturalis XXXV, 40 [1]
  2. ^ Plutarch, Aratus 7

  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainSmith, William, ed. (1870). "Mnesitheus or Mnasitheus". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.