The Column: An Architectural Representation of Power – Voyages Across the Mediterranean

By: Lila Schaefer

When we think of columns, we often think of something strong and powerful, something able to withstand great force. Columns were first used architecturally for structural support, originating in Egypt and Persia, but later became more ornamental. This video essay examines the appearance of the column in Greek and Roman architecture, the Neoclassical influence on the United States, and the power dynamics associated with this architectural symbol. The column, a symbol of strength, can also be seen as a symbol of all that is oppressive within a society. That perception is reflected in art that challenges the imperial ideals associated with columns from a standpoint focusing on gender, labor, and craft.