Friday, July 11, 2014

Russia

T received this postcard yesterday...from Russia.


It shows an image of Atlantes.


According to the dictionary:

  • Atlas (capitalized) is a Titan who, for his part in the Titans' revolt against the gods, is forced by Zeus to support the heavens on his shoulders.
  • Atlas (capitalized) is one who bears a heavy burden.
  • Atlas (plural, Atlantes) is a male figure used like a caryatid as a supporting column or pilaster.

According to the dictionary:

  • Caryatid is a draped female figure supporting an entablature.
  • Caryatid is a supporting column sculpted in the form of a draped female figure.

The most celebrated example is the caryatid porch of the Erechtheum* (an Ionic temple), with six figures.

The Athens Acropolis is home to four edifices (large, massive, and usually impressive buildings):

  • Propylaea
  • Parthenon
  • Erechtheum*
  • Temple of Athena Nike

Caryatids sometimes are called korai ("maidens").  Their male counterpart is the atlas.

I took you on a rabbit trail...but the information was interesting!  ;-)

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