Petra

Title

Petra

Publisher

Lawrence Technological University

Date Created

November 29, 2016

Alternative Title or Name

Al-Khazneh

Creator2

Allen, Will (photograph)

Work Type

Single built works
architectural elements

Date

2015

Work Location

Jordan (nation)
Petra (deserted settlement)

Style/Period

Hellenistic

Subject

rock-cut tombs
Corinthian capitals
treasuries (buildings)

Description

Detail view of Corinthian capitals and top of doorway to the Treasury or Al-Khazneh in Petra, Jordan. "The Treasury’s façade (24.9 meters wide x 38.77 meters high) most clearly embodies the Hellenistic style and reflects the influence of Alexandria, the greatest city in the Eastern Mediterranean at this time. Its architecture features a broken pediment and central tholos (a circular building) on the upper level; this architectural composition originated in Alexandria. Ornate Corinthian columns are used throughout ... The sculptural decoration also underscores a connection to the Hellenistic world. On the upper level, Amazons (bare-breasted) and Victories stand, flanking a central female figure (on the tholos), who is probably Isis-Tyche, a combination of the Egyptian Goddess, Isis, and Tyche, the Greek Goddess of good fortune. The lower level features the Greek twin gods, Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri, who protected travelers and the dead on their journeys. There are other details from the artistic traditions of the Hellenistic world, including eagles, the symbols of royal Ptolemies, vines, vegetation, kantharoi (vase with large handles), and acroteria (architectural ornaments on a pediment). However, the tomb also features rosettes, a design originally associated with the ancient Near East,"--Kahn Academy website.

Material/Medium

sandstone

Measurements

Treasury’s façade (24.9 meters wide x 38.77 meters high)

Reproduction Type

jpeg

ID Number

WA176

Files

WA176.JPG
Date Added
November 29, 2016
Collection
LTU Digital Images
Item Type
VRA Core
Tags
, , ,
Citation
“Petra,” LTU Digital Images, accessed March 29, 2024, https://ltuimagecollection.omeka.net/items/show/16568.