acanthus

(noun)

An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of Acanthus spinosus, and used in the capitals of the Corinthian and composite orders.

Related Terms

Examples of acanthus in the following topics:

  • Ottonian Architecture in the Early European Middle Ages

    • The central body of the church has the nave with two aisles sided by two towers characteristic of Carolingian architecture, but it also displays novelties anticipating Romanesque architecture, including the alternation of pillars and columns (a common feature in later Saxon churches), semi-blind arcades in galleries on the nave, and column capitals decorated with stylized leaves of acanthus and human heads .

  • Greco-Buddhist Art

    • Artistically, the Gandhāran School of sculpture is said to have contributed wavy hair, drapery covering both shoulders, shoes, sandals, and acanthus leaf decorations.

  • Architecture in the Hellenistic Period

    • The capital consists of a double layer of acanthus leaves and stylized plant tendrils that curl up towards the abacus in the shape of a scroll or volute.

  • Romanesque Sculpture

    • The term was invented by 19th-century art historians specifically to refer to Romanesque architecture, which retained many basic features of Roman architectural style (most notably round-headed arches, barrel vaults, apses, and acanthus-leaf decoration) while also developing many very different characteristics.