Ictinus

This article is about the arcitect. For the mythological character, seeIctinus (mythology).

Ictinus(/ɪkˈtaɪnəs/;Greek:Ἰκτῖνος,Iktinos) was anarchitectactive in the mid 5th century BC.Ancient sources identify Ictinus andCallicratesas co-architects of theParthenon.He co-wrote a book on the project – which is now lost – in collaboration withCarpion.

Pausaniasidentifies Ictinus as architect of theTemple of Apollo at Bassae.That temple wasDoricon the exterior,Ionicon the interior, and incorporated aCorinthiancolumn, the earliest known, at the center rear of thecella.Sources also identify Ictinus as architect of theTelesterionatEleusis,a gigantic hall used in theEleusinian Mysteries.

Periclesalso commissioned Ictinus to design theTelesterion(Hall of mystery ) atEleusis,but his involvement was terminated when Pericles fell from power. Three other architects took over instead.It seems likely that Ictinus's reputation was harmed by his links with the fallen ruler, as he is singled out for condemnation byAristophanesin his playThe Birds,dated to around 414 BC. It depicts the royal kite orictinus– a play on the architect's name – not as a noble bird of prey but as a scavenger stealing sacrifices from the gods and money from men. As no other classical author describes the bird in this fashion, Aristophanes likely intended it to be a dig at the architect.

The artistJean Auguste Dominique Ingrespainted a scene showing Ictinus together with the lyric poetPindar.The painting is known asPindar and Ictinusand is exhibited at theNational Gallery, London.

Sources

• Plutarch,Pericles13