Why are the Caryatids significant?

Part figurative female sculpture and part architectural element, the caryatid has helped creatively carry the weight of buildings for thousands of years. While they proved particularly popular in Ancient Greece—their place of origin—they continue to blur the line between art and architecture today.



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The most famous Caryatids are the Caryatids of Erechtheion. The six sisters were born when their home, Erechtheion, was built on the Acropolis. The Caryatids proudly support the roof, gazing at the Parthenon with an ethereal look.

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He made detailed views of its capitals and of the caryatids (columns in the shape of female figures) that support the entablature of the south porch. The British diplomat Lord Elgin had removed one in 1806; the five remaining figures were removed in 1978 and are now in the Acropolis Museum.

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