This sculpture originates from the Archaic era of Greece, dating back to around 525 BC. This marble carved caryatid - a column shaped as a female figure - stands at a height of 3.02m and is an example of expert workmanship from the said period.
The female representation on the statue carries an 'archaic smile,' characteristic of the era, and is adorned with a prominently detailed peplos, a typical Greek women's robe. The intricate detailing of the peplos on the statue, including its folds and contours, demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of textile representation and the female form present during the period.
The 'South Caryatid' once served as one of two supports for the porch of the Siphnian Treasury in Delphi. Presented by the citizens of Siphnos, an Aegean island, this Treasury was an offering to Apollo's sanctuary, signaling their wealth accrued from successful mining of gold and silver. This artifact, therefore, stands as evidence of the Siphnian's social status and devout contributions to religious sanctuaries of the time.
An innovative feature of this caryatid lies in the illusion of movement it portrays through detailed drapery, indicating an emerging concept in Greek sculpture from the Archaic period. This dynamic design concept would go on to strongly influence later Greek and Roman architecture.
