PORCH OF THE CARYATIDS
Uploaded: October 26, 2009 | Entered: March 30, 2016 11:28:04
(((~~ ELEMENTS OF DESIGN ~~)))
The Porch of the Caryatids.
On the north side, there is another large porch with columns, and on the south, the famous "Porch of the Maidens", with six draped female figures (caryatids) as supporting columns, each sculpted in a manner different from the rest and engineered in such a way that their slenderest part, the neck, is capable of supporting the weight of the porch roof whilst remaining graceful and feminine. The porch was built to conceal the giant 15-ft beam needed to support the southwest corner over the metropolis, after the building was drastically reduced in size and budget following the onset of the Peloponnesian war.
Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/60 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 130.00 mm, Model: NIKON D200
Dominick M. Dimacale October 26, 2009
The Erectheum was associated with some of the most ancient and holy relics of the Athenians: the Palladion, which was a xoanon (defined as a wooden effigy fallen from heaven - not man-made) of Athena Polias (Protectress of the City); the marks of Poseidon's trident and the salt water well (the "salt sea") that resulted from Poseidon's strike; the sacred olive tree that sprouted when Athena struck the rock with her spear in her successful rivalry with Poseidon for the city; the supposed burial places of the mythical kings Cecrops and Erechtheus; the sacred precincts of Cecrops' three daughters, Herse, Pandrosus and Aglaurus; and those of the tribal heroes Pandion and Boutes.The temple itself was dedicated to Athena Polias and Poseidon Erechtheus. Within the foundations lived the sacred snake of the temple, which represented the spirit of Cecrops and whose well-being was thought essential for the safety of the city. The snake was fed honey-cakes by Canephorae, the priestesses of Athena Polias, by custom the women of the ancient family of Eteoboutadae, the supposed descendants of the hero Boutes. The snake's occasional refusal to eat the cakes was thought a disastrous omen.
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Dominick M. Dimacale October 26, 2009
Modern timesPrevious attempted restorations by Greece damaged the roof of the Caryatids' porch with concrete patches, along with major damage caused by pollution in Athens. Scientists were working in 2005 to repair the damage using laser cleaning. Now, the five original Caryatids are displayed at the Acropolis Museum and are replaced in situ by exact replicas.
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Dominick M. Dimacale October 26, 2009
Finally, SUN here in Athens, out to see more of this amazing city. #8072952Tommy E. Burgess October 26, 2009
Very beautiful capture Dominick!! Thanks for the background info too. Have a wonderful time enjoying the city! #8072978Lynne Morris October 26, 2009
Fantastic capture and such an interesting background to the image! Enjoy your time in Athens Dominick. #8072991Mary K. Robison October 26, 2009
Dominick, the pov and details of the caryatids are excellent. Great history lesson as well.Paul E. Earl October 26, 2009
Fabulous capture of this item from the ancient world! #8073019Tiia Vissak October 26, 2009
great tones, details & framing! #8073020Tammy M. Anderson October 26, 2009
Excellent details and pov, Dominick. #8073124Brett Dolsen October 26, 2009
You have captured the mood of ancient times Dominick!!Great composition, light,details and tones!Brett #8073138Douglas Pignet October 26, 2009
Great capture of this wonderful place. I have only been there once but would love to go again. Great history and capture here Dominick. #8073144Joao Martinho October 26, 2009
A great capture with a special light and texture that makes me feel the cold softness of marble, Dominick! Looking forward to see more of Athens through your eyes...and eventually some Cycladean spots! #8073146Ray Clarke October 26, 2009
Great Pov and detail, beautiful image Dominick.!!!(R) #8073206Colette M. Metcalf October 26, 2009
Very nice comp and detail!!! #8073396Tess L. Yee October 26, 2009
Wonderful detail and light on this great capture, and as always, appreciate the context you add, Dominick! #8073480Claudia Kuhn October 26, 2009
Wonderful history lesson Dominick, terrific details! #8073586Joy Rector October 26, 2009
perfectly gorgeous #8073839Monnie Ryan October 26, 2009
Wonderful capture, and as usual, a very interesting history lesson, Dominick! #8074020Renata Gusciora October 26, 2009
Great pov,fabulous details,awesome architecture,Dominick! #8074378Janet Daniel October 26, 2009
Spectacular image, Dominick!Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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