They are the ultimate synthesis of structural engineering and classical beauty, in that heavy, load-bearing marble columns have become elegant, draped women... serence, graceful pillars of the establishment! They symbolize unyielding resilience—carrying immense architectural weight effortlessly while maintaining timeless, poised dignity.

They were the dominant feature of the porch on the south side of the Erechtheion on the Akropolis in Athens, where they supported the entablature and the roof of the building, facing towards the north side of the Parthenon. Named after Erechtheios, legendary king of Athens this wonderfully complex and intricate temple , on several levels, was constructed in the last quarter of the 5th century BCE and was dedicated to Athena and her uncle Poseidon.

The most delicate, vulnerable part of any 'normal' stone statue is the neck, let alone a neck designed to support the crushing weight of a marble roof. The ingenious solution was in the luscious hair. The sculptors gave the Karyatids incredibly thick, lavishly plaited hair, braided tightly around the crown of the head, looping down to frame the neck, then cascading down the back in a massive, interwoven braid. This thick rope of marble artificially supported the neck, without sacrificing the aesthetic elegance.

The Karyatids wear a peplos, a heavy tunic pinned at each shoulder. What is extraordinary is the way the sculptors perfectly convey the tension of a real load-carrying woman. Each Karyatid shifts her weight onto one leg (acting as the true column). Over this straight leg, the marble folds drop in rigid, vertical, parallel lines, mimicking the fluting of a traditional Greek column. The other knee slightly juts forward in a relaxed pose. Over this bent knee, the marble drapery completely changes, clinging smoothly to the leg like wet silk and flowing loosely around the ankles to create an illusion of lifelike movement.

Standing at approximately 2.3 metres tall, each is sculpted to the same height and structural build to support the roof evenly, but, remarkably, each individual Karyatid varies slightly by a few millimeters due to their unique, hand-chiseled details. Just superb!!!

Hephaistos would be amazed by the craftsmanship and quality of this wonderful collection!

These superb bronze pieces are cast in Greece using the traditional lost wax method. As nothing is mass-produced, there will inevitably be slight variations in texture, patina, and colour. No two pieces are ever the same. If mounted, the base is of black marble.

Please note that there may be a variation of some millimetres in the dimensions of the base from time to time, and that accessories such as spears, tridents or javelins may vary in length or height! If you need precise dimensions and weight, email me!

If you need a piece to fit a very specific space, or if you want me to take a photo of a couple of pieces so you can pick the one you want, I will do so with pleasure.

Every piece is deliciously tactile.

It's All Greek is so grateful and so proud to have been working closely with the Semitekolo family foundry since 1999. It has been a privilege and a joy to handle, live with, to photograph and describe these gorgeous pieces, before passing them on to passionate and grateful customers all over the world.

If you already own one of these pieces, cherish it!