Greek
Erechtheion: Coffer
Description:
ERECHTHEION: The building was constructed from 421 to 406 BC on the Acropolis of Athens. As one of the most decorative temples in Greek Architecture, it was built to replace the Temple of Athena, Nike. The name of the temple comes from its dedication to the Greek hero Ericthonius, or perhaps King Erectheus. On major feature of the Erechtheion is the porch of caryatids, often called the “Porch of the Maidens,” where six female figures are sculpted as supporting columns. The temple has two porches- a porch with caryatids and a porch with ionic columns.
Cast replicates coffer from Erectheion. Coffers, a sunken panel usually seen in a series, were used for the decoration of ceilings and vaults. The earliest examples are stone coffers from ancient Greece and Rome.
Period of Original: Greek
Origin of Original: Greece
Location of the Cast: 20 W. 44 St. New York, NY USA
Provenance: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Condition: N/A
Additional Information:
Caryatids
Photograph Entrance Columns
Photograph Entrance Columns with Sixth Repaired
Plan of Erechtheion
