Named for the great Athenian sculptor Praxiteles (c. 370–325 B.C.). Antique sources indicate that Praxiteles worked in Athens and created at least 50 statues, although only Roman copies now exist. His figures no longer had the classical character of Phidias and Polykletus {see planets  (4753) and  (5982)} but had become ideal beings of smooth beauty. (M 26764) _ _.