Caryatid

DEFINITION

An architectural term associated with Greek classical style, it is descriptive of a graceful female figure in flowing robe serving as a column supporting an entablature. The word derives from the young women of Caryae in Laconia who did ritual dances at the festival of Artemis. Source: Ralph Mayer, "A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques"<br><br>In architectural sculpture, the female figure that serves as a column supporting an entablature. Usually a graceful figure dressed in long robes. From the Greek. Male counterparts are Atlantes or Telamones.<br><br>A carved female figure used as a column. Dressed in long robes, she supports an architectural element on her head. Her male counterpart is an atlant, atlantid, or atlas. The word caryatid is Greek, and originally referred to maidens of Caryae in Laconia who performed ritual dances at the festival of Artemis.(pr. KAR-ee-A-t&#601;d)Examples: Greece, Caryatid Mirror, c. 470 BCE, bronze, height 42 cm, diameter mirror disc 17.5 cm, George Ortiz collection. This is allegedly from Dodona, North-East Peloponnese, Sicyon? See caryatid and Greek art.