Erechtheion, Athens (62. Athènes. 1842. T. de Minerve Poliade.)

Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey

1842 · Daguerreotype · Photographs

The Erechtheion—the Ionic temple and shrine to Athena Polias (or Minerva), guardian goddess of the city—was one of Girault’s favorite subjects. He made detailed views of its capitals and of the caryatids (columns in the shape of female figures) that support the entablature of the south porch. The British diplomat Lord Elgin had removed one in 1806; the five remaining figures were removed in 1978 and are now in the Acropolis Museum.

Artist

Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey

Date

1842

Medium

Daguerreotype

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Purchase, Philippe de Montebello Fund, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Moran Gift, in memory of Louise Chisholm Moran, Joyce F. Menschel and Annette de la Renta Gifts, and funds from various donors, 2016 (2016.93)