Illustrated Architecture Dictionary
.......................... Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary

Caryatid
CARE ee AT id


Erechtheion, Athens, Greece Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Architecture

A human figure, usually female, functioning as a pier, column or pilaster supporting an entablature

Found in Greek architecture, as in the Erectheion in Athens, Greece

Traditionally taken to represent the women of Caryae, who sided with the Persians against the Greeks, and were made slaves.

Similar figures with baskets on their heads are known as "canephoroi."

Atlas:  male caryatid

Herm: A squared stone pillar with a carved head on top (typically of Hermes), used in ancient Greece as a boundary marker or a signpost.

Found in classical Greek and Roman architecture and derivatives, including Beaux Arts Classicism, Federal, Georgian Revival, Greek Revival, Neoclassicism, Renaissance Revival, Second Empire


Furniture

The 17th century Baroque period used contorted caryatids .


Examples from Buffalo architecture:

Examples from Europe:


Photos and their arrangement © 2002 Chuck LaChiusa
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