The North Doorway of the Erechtheum

Extract

Mr. Schultz in his paper upon the above subject, published in the last number of the Journal of Hellenic Studies, pointed out some interesting facts which had not been hitherto noticed, and also advanced several new theories. My object in writing the following notes is to draw attention to one of the theories put forward by him and which I do not think he has proved. And I do this the more willingly as Mr. Schultz at the close of his article expressly states that he gives his theories in order to open up further discussion on the subject. The point I refer to is the contention that the present door-jambs are not contemporary with the rest of the building, and that the decorations of the original doorway were much simpler.

Towards the end of the article, classed under points of miscellaneous evidence, mention is made of some iron cramps ‘the principal use for which would have been to steady the jambs, not actually to tie them back.’ Now these cramps, which Mr. Schultz considers of such slight importance, appear to me to be the main evidence as to whether the present jambs are original or not, for if it can be proved that the cramps have been in any way altered, or if they are not fulfilling the purpose for which they were placed in the wall, then we have certain proof that the jambs are later.