Essay Sample on Erechtheion

Introduction

Constructed on Athens's Acropolis, Erechtheion remains one of Greek's ancient temple. Even though it was a structure of great significance to the Greek, it has been neglected and misused. This happened despite its significance to Greek's rich history. Thus, understanding the reasons for its construction as well as the figures on the sculpture is crucial.

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What was the Essence of Constructing the Erechtheion?

Erechtheion was primarily designed and constructed as a shrine for the various Greek gods Greeks (Kleiner 136). However, the shrine also served the purpose of honouring Athena and housing the ancient wood images of the goddess as an objective of the Panathenaic Festival processions. Through this, Erechtheon incorporated other shrines housing the demigods as well as gods who reigned over the legendary forces of the city (Kleiner 136) By housing the ancient wooden sculptural statues of Athena, Erechtheion remained a significant religious site even after the arrival of the great Chryselephantine in Parthenon.

Describe the Figures in the Sculpture

The figures seen are a sculptural representation of six maidens, or korai (Kennedy and John-Lewis 322). The maidens, dressed in heavy lonian drapery, found at the southern porch of Erechtheion offer support for the entablature by taking the places of the six intended pillars (Erictheon, Athens, Greece (Photodisc, Inc.). Relaxed and casually balancing the heavy stones resting upon their heads, the women display remarkable feminine power. This is evident through the robust support they offer. It is postulated that the heavy stones resting on their heads are baskets originated from the ritual of Demeter, the mother goddess, from her Eleusis shrine, Athens. The baskets are said to contain sacrificial ribbons and barley.

Conclusion

The construction of Erechtheion was one of the iconic architectural work in Greek's history. The Erechtheion functioned as multiple shrines for Greek gods such as Erichthonus, paying tribute to Athena as well as housing the ancient wooden sculptures of the Greek demigods and gods. In the south porch are the six maidens taking the position of the pillars. As such, they offer support for the entablature.

Works Cited

Erictheon, Athens, Greece (Photodisc, Inc.). Accessed February 26, 2019.

Kennedy, Rebecca Futo, and Molly Jones-Lewis, eds. The Routledge handbook of identity and the environment in the Classical and medieval worlds. Routledge, 2016. Retrieved from https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=mLJYCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA322&dq=the+six+maidens+of+the+erechtheion&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj4roPyhNngAhUU4OAKHabkC-sQ6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=the%20six%20maidens%20of%20the%20erechtheion&f=false. Accessed February on 26, 2019.

Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner s Art Through the Ages: A Global History. Vol. 1. Nelson Education, 2015. Retrieved from https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=9YbCBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT154&dq=what+was+the+original+purpose+of+the+erechtheion&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj_g9-i-NjgAhWcURUIHTA-D_MQ6AEILjAB#v=onepage&q=what%20was%20the%20original%20purpose%20of%20the%20erechtheion&f=false. Accessed February on 26, 2019.