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Caryatid
Unknown - Enlarge image
Caryatid
- Object:
Caryatid
- Place of origin:
Rome, Italy (probably, cast)
- Date:
early 19th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Plaster cast
- Museum number:
ANT.95
- Gallery location:
Architecture, room 127, case WS
The origin of caryatid figures (traditionally female) may be found in Ancient Greece, where they were used as vertical supports on all forms of architecture. Similar supporting male figures were known as Atlantes after the Titan Atlas. The original caryatid from which this plaster cast figure was taken is one of six which formed the support to the portico of a small temple found near the gate of San Sebastiano in Rome.

