Collection: | Delphi Archaeological Museum |
Title: | Knidian Caryatid torso |
Context: | From Delphi |
Findspot: | Excavated at Delphi |
Summary: | Caryatid torso |
Material: | Marble |
Sculpture Type: | Architectural |
Category: | Single sculpture |
Placement: | Column |
Style: | High Archaic |
Technique: | In-the-round |
Original or Copy: | Original |
Date: | ca. 540 BC |
Scale: | Over life-size |
Region: | Phocis |
Period: | High Archaic |
Subject Description:
This torso, one of a pair (the second is in even more fragmentary condition), are the earliest of the Delphi caryatids. The fragments were found in the area of the Treasuries but cannot be assigned to any particular one on the basis of provenance. Their early date has led to an association with the Knidian Treasury, although it is not certain that the architecture of this treasury supports the assignment (
The figure is dressed in a chiton of fine fabric, visible on the left shoulder and covering the lower torso. With her right hand she pulls the chiton to the side. The narrow, radiating folds which result from it being stretched across the abdomen and legs are indicated by incised lines, with shallow hollows in between. The himation is made of a soft, heavier cloth, as indicated by the deeply carved vertical folds with rounded edges. It is arranged with a short central box pleat, with the narrower folds on either side descending in roughly parallel fashion. It is worn over one shoulder and under the opposite arm, in the common Ionic manner.
The fragments of this kore's twin preserve fat tresses and the mass of hair at the back divided into round beads. Heavily weathered.
Condition: Fragmentary
Condition Description:
Restored from a number of joining fragments, including left shoulder, torso, legs and right hand.
Associated Building: Delphi, Treasury of the Knidians (XXV)
Collection History:
Found over a period of years between 1894 and 1900 in the area of the Treasuries.
Sources Used: