Illustrated Architecture Dictionary
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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
FurnitureThe 17th century Baroque period used contorted caryatids .
Examples from Buffalo architecture:
- Right illustration above: Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Examples from Europe:
- Left illustration above: Erechtheion, Athens, Greece
- Royal Palace in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Oude Zijds Voorburgwal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Opéra National de Paris
- Louvre, Paris, France Salle des Caryatids - 1 photo
- Louvre, Paris, France Salle des Caryatids - 6 photos
- Louvre, Paris, France Exterior
- Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Herms: Capitoline Museums, Rome, Italy