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Caryatid from the Erechtheion
by Ancient Greek (Unknown), -420
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- -420
- Medium
- Pentelic marble
- Size
- 228 cm (7.5 ft) tall
Cite or Embed This Work
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Ancient Greek This Caryatid is one of six maidens who served as architectural columns supporting the south porch of the Erechtheion temple on the Athenian Acropolis. Carved around 420 BCE, these figures represent the peak of Classical Greek sculpture. Each woman stands in a slightly different pose, her draped clothing creating vertical lines that echo the fluting of traditional columns.
Lord Elgin removed this single caryatid in 1801. The other five originals are now in the Acropolis Museum in Athens, with a replica in her place on the temple. Her sisters at the Acropolis Museum face an empty space where she should stand. The figure wears a peplos dress and carries a basket-shaped capital on her head. She resides at the British Museum, separated from her companions.
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About Caryatid from the Erechtheion
A Caryatid is a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support column. The name may derive from women of Karyai, a town in ancient Greece, or from the Greek word for walnut tree.
Five original caryatids are in the Acropolis Museum in Athens. One is at the British Museum. Replicas now stand on the temple's south porch.
The Erechtheion was built between 421-406 BCE on the Athenian Acropolis. It housed sacred relics and was named after the legendary king Erechtheus.
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