Ictinus (/ɪkˈtaɪnəs/;Greek:Ἰκτῖνος,Iktinos) was anarchitect active in the mid 5th century BC.[1][2] Ancient sources identify Ictinus andCallicrates as co-architects of theParthenon. He co-wrote a book on the project – which is now lost – in collaboration withCarpion.[3]
Pausanias identifies Ictinus as architect of theTemple of Apollo at Bassae.[3] That temple wasDoric on the exterior,Ionic on the interior, and incorporated aCorinthian column, the earliest known, at the center rear of thecella. Sources also identify Ictinus as architect of theTelesterion atEleusis, a gigantic hall used in theEleusinian Mysteries.[4]
Pericles also commissioned Ictinus to design theTelesterion ("Hall of Final Things") atEleusis, but his involvement was terminated when Pericles fell from power. Three other architects took over instead.[3] It seems likely that Ictinus's reputation was harmed by his links with the fallen ruler, as he is singled out for condemnation byAristophanes in 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.[5]
The artistJean Auguste Dominique Ingres painted a scene showing Ictinus together with the lyric poetPindar. The painting is known asPindar and Ictinus and is exhibited at theNational Gallery, London.
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