Ictinus
Ictinus was an influential architect in ancient Athens, primarily active during the era of Pericles (circa 495-429 BCE). He is best known for his role in designing the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis, a project he undertook in collaboration with fellow architect Callicrates and sculptor Phidias. In addition to the Parthenon, Ictinus contributed to the construction of the Telesterion, or Hall of Mysteries, at Eleusis, and is credited as the sole architect of the temple of Apollo at Bassae in Arcadia. His expertise extended beyond architecture; Ictinus co-authored a now-lost treatise with a collaborator named Carpion, which focused on the innovative mathematical principles behind the Parthenon’s design. The monumental scale and refined architectural elements of the Parthenon have left a lasting legacy, influencing countless architects, artists, and poets throughout history. The innovative combination of Doric and Ionic styles, alongside the exceptional design of its interior, continues to captivate those who study classical architecture.
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Ictinus
Related civilizations: Classical Greece, Athens
Major role/position: Architect
Life
Very little is known about the life of Ictinus (ihk-TI-nuhs), an architect who worked in Athens during the time of Pericles (c. 495-429 b.c.e.). Ancient sources attribute three buildings to him. The first is the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis (447-432 b.c.e.). Ictinus designed the Parthenon together with the architect Callicrates, under the general direction of the sculptor Phidias. The second is the great Telesterion, or Hall of Mysteries, at Eleusis (c. 430 b.c.e.). Ictinus was one of a series of architects associated with this frequently modified building. The third is the temple of Apollo at Bassae in Arcadia, where Ictinus is the only recorded architect. Ictinus also wrote a treatise (now lost), with a certain Carpion, about the design of the Parthenon—a work that probably addressed the revolutionary mathematical concepts underlying its design.
Influence
Because of its monumental scale and many refinements as well as the innovative use of the Doric and Ionic orders and the remarkable design of the interior space, the Parthenon of Ictinus and Callicrates has inspired architects, artists, poets, and travelers since Roman times.
Bibliography
Cooper, Frederick A. The Architecture. Vol. 1. in The Temple of Apollo Bassitas. Princeton, N.J.: American School of Classical Studies at Athens, 1992.
Dinsmoor, Anastasia N. “Iktinos.” In The Dictionary of Art. New York: Macmillan, 1996.
Winter, Frederick E. “Tradition and Innovation in Doric Design III: The Work of Iktinos.” American Journal of Archaeology 84 (1980): 399-416.