ATLANTES
ATLANTES (
ἄτλαντες) and
TELAMO´NES (
τελαμῶνες) are terms
used in architecture,
[p. 1.244]the former by the Greeks,
the latter by the Romans, to designate those male figures which are
sometimes fancifully used, like the female
Caryatides, in place of columns (
Vitr.
5.7.6, Schneid.). Both words are derived from
τλῆναι, and the former evidently refers to the
fable of Atlas, who supported the vault of heaven, the latter
perhaps to the strength of the Telamonian Ajax.
The Greek architects used such figures sparingly, and generally with some
adaptation to the character of the building. They were much more freely used
in tripods, thrones, and so forth.
They were also applied as ornaments to the sides of a vessel, having the
appearance of supporting the upper works; as in the ship of Hiero, described
by Athenaeus (v. p. 208 b).
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Atlantes. (From Temple at Agrigentum: Proessor Cockerell.)
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A representation of such figures is given in the preceding woodcut, from the
temple of Jupiter Olympius at Agrigentum. (Müller,
Archäol. d. Kunst, § 279; Mauch,
Die Griech. u. Rom. Bau-Ordnungen, p. 88.)
[
P.S]
