3-095-634 - "Royal Academy of Arts, London"/Heritage Images

Cast of pilaster capital of North Porch of Erechtheion, late 18th century-early 19th century? The cast is from the epicranitis (a moulded border at the top of the wall) in the Erechtheion (or Erectheum) on the acropolis of Athens. It is probably from the area of the anta or the pillars either side of a doorway. This cast was possibly taken from a pilaster capital from the porch and features small flowers between the palmettes and lotuses of the frieze. The Erechtheion, built between 421 and 405 BCE probably by an architect named Mnesikles, is named for the hero Erechtheus. The temple is Ionic in order and has fine architectural detail which has long been admired. The North Porch is the most elegant area of the building and contains the most elaborate architectural details. Here the frieze of lotus-and-palmette distinguishes itself from other areas of the building by the vegetal nature of the scrolls which feature even flowers.