Sculpture Saturday’s post this week presents more sculptures from the Greek Temple of Delphi, the Dancers of Delphi.
Also known as the Acanthus Column, the sculptures, which stand nearly two meters (six feet) tall, were fixed atop a column 13 meters (43 ft) in height composed of five drums and a capital decorated with acanthus leaves.
The sculptures depict three female figures wearing short tunics and carrying baskets containing fruit, a symbol of abundance and fertility. Their bare feet are suspended in the air and their arms are raised. Thus creating the impression of dancing, which is how the sculpture gets its name.
Fragments of the Dancers of Delphi were discovered in 1894. The Dancers of Delphi inspired Claude Debussy’s Prélude No. 1. Estimates of the time of the sculptures creation and placement at Delphi have varied, but the most recent theory places the date at around 330 BC. The sculptor is unknown.
The Dancers of Delphi are on display at the Delphi Archeological Museum. It must have been truly awe inspiring to see Delphi in its days of glory.
Sculpture Saturday is a challenge hosted by No Fixed Plans.
Salsaworldtraveler'sblog 
their lack of legs may make dancing a tad tricky!
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They are very light on their missing feet, aren’t they. 🤣
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The survival of ancient art and artifacts seems miraculous. This sculpture is a relic that represents philosophy of those times. Amazing.
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I agree; it is quite impressive that these sculptures have survived for so long…
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Incredible that they could be reassembled from fragments of buildings and sculptures!
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Their philosophy seems strange to us. I wonder if people of the future will think the same of us.
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In some ways, I hope so.
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