noun
- Plural of caryatid; sculpted female figures used as supporting columns in classical architecture.
Usage: Architectural term; Also spelled 'caryatids' in modern English
Examples
- The ancient Greek temple featured elegant caryatides supporting the roof of the portico.
- The Erechtheion in Athens is famous for its porch decorated with caryatides.
- Renaissance architects often incorporated caryatides into their classical designs.
- The museum's collection includes plaster casts of caryatides from famous monuments.
- Caryatides represent a blend of sculpture and structural engineering in classical architecture.