Images & Art

ATHENIAN TREASURY ON THE SACRED WAY

Sanctuary of Apollo Delphi c. 500-485 B.C. The sacred way leads up to the temple past statues of dedication and treasuries built by many city-states. Originally there were twenty-three treasuries. They housed the gifts donated in honor of Apollo. The Athenian treasury was re-erected in 1906....

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APPROACH TO THE ACROPOLIS

Athens The Acropolis is approached from the west. High on the man-made bastion at the right sits the delicate Ionic temple of Athena Nike. The center columns are surviving elements of the Propylaea...

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LAPITH AND CENTAUR

South Metope Southwest corner of Parthenon Acropolis, Athens 447-440 B.C. A Lapith is held in a headlock by a centaur. The action and energy of the metope contrast and form a harmonious balance with the surrounding triglyphs....

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ERECHTHEUM

Mnesicles (?) From the southeast Acropolis, Athens 421-405 B.C. The Erechtheum is an irregularly shaped Ionic temple which was built to house several sacred objects. Standing opposite the north side of the Parthenon, it counterbalances the heavy weight of the Parthenon on the Acropolis. The Erechtheum sits on uneven ground. Very different porches ...

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MARBLE SEATS OF HONOR

Theatre of Dionysus Acropolis, Athens c. Beginning 1st century B.C. These marble seats of honor (proderia) were placed in the theatre between the third and the beginning of the first century B.C....

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IONIC COLUMNS: Temple of Artemis, Sardis 330 B.C.

The Ionic column is distinguished by its volute or scroll capital. More slender than the Doric column, its height is eight or nine times the diameter of the shaft. Normally the Ionic column has twenty-four flutes which are separated by fillets or soft edges; some examples have as many as forty-eight flutes. There is a column base, the most notable ...

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SUPPORTING TERRACE WALL

Sanctuary of Apollo Delphi Third quarter 6th century B.C. Under the temple is a supporting terrace wall built in polygonal masonry....

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PROPYLAEA

Designed by Mnesicles Acropolis, Athens 437-432 B.C. The propylaea, a roofed entrance structure into the sacred precincts, was designed and built between 437 and 432 B.C. A Doric facade on the west is linked to a Doric facade on the east by a passageway lined with tall Ionic columns. It had five doors, one large center door and two smaller doors o...

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LAPITH AND CENTAUR

South Metope 30 Parthenon Acropolis, Athens 447-440 B.C. British Museum, London In this metope another centaur overcomes a fallen Lapith. Both figures are treated with deep respect by the sculptor. Originally the background of the metopes was painted bright red and the triglyphs on each side were painted bright blue....

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ERECHTHEUM

Mnesicles (?) From the southeast Acropolis, Athens 421-405 B.C. The cella floor was higher than the stylobate. Underneath was a basement. Notice the windows on the far wall which were originally covered with bronze lattices....

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