Caryatids

View of the six Caryatids. A caryatid is a sculpted draped female figure that serves as a column that supports an entablature (beam for the roof). The, less frequently found, male counterpart is an "atlante." Note the draped garment and the flexed inside leg — lending lightness and grace to the figures. Also note, that the three caryatids on the left have their left legs engaged (flexed) while those on the right have their right legs engaged — thus adding to the symmetry of the structure.

One of the caryatids was taken to England by Lord Elgin, the remaining originals are in the Acropolis Museum - Click Here to view.

For a brief description of the Erechtheion Click Here.