Just Cruises Plus

Recognize this Caryatid?

Caryatid which stands in the British Museum

For last week’s photo contest we asked in which European museum this caryatid is located and where did she originally stand?  Congratulations to Ann Marie Danvers, of Philadelphia, PA,  whose name was randomly selected from the 27 correct responses.

This Caryatid stands as part of the “Elgin Collection” in the British Museum in London.  It was taken from the site of the Acropolis in Athens.  Caryatids are female figures which serve as supports.  This is one of six that held up the roof of the Erectheion (the temple of the Acropolis).

Between 1800 and 1803, G.B. Lusieri, acting on behalf of Lord Elgin, removed this caryatid, which stood second from the left on the front of the south porch.  During the Greek War of Independence (1821-33) the Erectheion was reduced to ruins, although the caryatids survived.  It has since been reconstructed.  The BritishMuseum’s caryatid is better preserved than her sisters, which have now severely weathered.  They have recently been removed to the Acropolis Museum and replaced by casts.*

* Taken from an excerpt of The Elgin Marbles by B.F. Cook