Caryatids in Paris

These caryatids* are high above the street level on Rue de Provence and support the balcony of the deuxième étage.  Although this building does not have the architect's name and date of construction like my previous post, one might guess that this building was designed late 19th or early 20th century.  Well, after looking at many of these caryatids and two architecture books, one can see that this Greek influence has been felt for centuries.   The earliest known examples are seen in the treasuries of Delphi (6th century BC) and the Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens.

The caryatids are by Édouard Lormier (1847-1919) who made his debut at the Salon in 1886.  He specialized in evocative works of the Art Deco era and is best known for his figures of beautiful women in flowing drapes. (Thank you detective Malyss) 

*caryatid -A sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column or a pillar

73, rue de Provence
(at Rue Chassée d'antin)
75009 Paris