Roman, later Imperial period, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. A beautifully-preserved marble capital that once graced a classical column, with skillfully drilled acanthus leaves, and pronounced spiral tendrils similar to those found on an Ionic capital. The abacus has characteristically concave sides to blend harmoniously with the outward scrolling corners. Delicate leaf veins and curved tendrils speak to the skill of the artisan who made the piece, which would have adorned a luxurious building of Classical style. Size: 15.625" L x 15.25" W x 9.375" H (39.7 cm x 38.7 cm x 23.8 cm)
The Corinthian order is the most ornate of the orders (as opposed to the earlier Doric and Ionic) boasting slender fluted columns topped by elaborate capitals with acanthus leaves and scrolled volutes like this example. The famous Roman architect Vitruvius observed that the lavish Corinthian design "was produced out of the two other orders." Vitruvius described the Corinthian column as "an imitation of the slenderness of a maiden; for the outlines and limbs of maidens, being more slender on account of their tender years, admit of prettier effects in the way of adornment."
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-William Froelich collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1970s
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#146679
Condition
Two of the upper corners have been reattached. Normal chips/losses to high-pointed areas. Some losses to peripheries have been reattached with restoration over the break lines. Earthen and mineral deposits.