What is the technical term for these Pompeiian columns?

December 1, 2009 1:30 PM

Can anyone tell me what the architectural or sculptural term is for these low, narrow columns with busts of deities or heroes on the tops of them? (Or tell me a good source for finding such a term when you have a picture, like this one, which was taken in Pompeii?)
posted by manos_frias to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

Best answer: Herms.
posted by Carol Anne at 1:32 PM on December 1, 2009

Best answer: Their alleged mutilation by Alcibiades figures significantly in the Peloponnesian war
posted by IndigoJones at 1:37 PM on December 1, 2009

Best answer: I came in to say caryatid but after seeing your photo I don't think that applies, since those don't seem structural.

So I will leave that dangling for some thread-entering architect to correct.
posted by rokusan at 1:46 PM on December 1, 2009

Best answer: Yep, modified herms.

Original Greek herms functioned as boundary markers, and were shorter, stouter, and had large erect phalloi. ~*~The more you know!~*~
posted by oinopaponton at 1:51 PM on December 1, 2009

Best answer: (here's a vase painting of a more typical Greek-style herm)
posted by oinopaponton at 1:52 PM on December 1, 2009

Best answer: I don't know how other folks would have gone about it, but

pompeii+atrium got me to this slide gallery, which gave me the name of the garden.

The name of the house lead to a bunch of other info, including a survey of what marble was used where.
posted by zamboni at 1:55 PM on December 1, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks!
posted by manos_frias at 6:30 PM on December 1, 2009