The term is first recorded in the Latin form caryatides by the Roman architect Vitruvius. He stated in his 1st century BC work De architectura (I.1.5) that certain female figures represented the punishment of the women of … See more

Some of the earliest known examples were found in the treasuries of Delphi, including that of Siphnos, dating to the 6th century BC. However, their use as supports in the form of women can be traced back even earlier, to ri… See more

In Early Modern times, the practice of integrating caryatids into building facades was revived, and in interiors they began to be employed in fireplaces, which had not been a feature of buildings in Antiquity and offered no … See more

• Ancient Greek caryatids of the Cnidian Treasury, c.550 BC, probably marble, Delphi Archaeological Museum, Delphi, Greece
• Ancient Greek mirror, 5th century BC, bronze, Archaeological Museum of Ancient Co… See more