ACANTHUS
a·can·thus [uh-kan-thuh s]
noun [uh-kan-thuh s]
1. Plants. any shrub or herbaceous plant of the genus Acanthus, native to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated as ornamental plants, having large spiny leaves and spikes of white or purplish flowers.
2. Architecture. a design patterned after the leaves of one of these plants, used especially on the capitals of Corinthian columns.
Origin:
1610–20; New Latin, Latin < Greek ákanthos bear's-foot
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| The origin of the Corinthian Order, illustrated in Claude Perrault's Vitruvius 1684 |
Of all the decorative designs inspired by nature, the acanthus leaf is the most iconic. With some resemblance to thistle, poppy and parsley leaves, it is one of the most widely used and popular motifs in architecture, furniture, interior design, and textiles. It can be found on everything from Corinthian capitals to manuscripts.
The motif was particularly popular in the court appointments and furnishings of King Louis XVI, however stylized carvings are found in all King Louis styles. The conception and treatment of the margin and shape of the leaf, is the principal characteristic of the different period styles.
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| Acanthus Leaf Illustrations by Nan Richards for Lolo French Antiques et More |
The motif was particularly popular in the court appointments and furnishings of King Louis XVI, however stylized carvings are found in all King Louis styles. The conception and treatment of the margin and shape of the leaf, is the principal characteristic of the different period styles.
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| Lolo French Antiques et More Item #LA259P Pair of Dagobert chairs with acanthus ornamentaion |
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| Lolo French Antiques et More Item #LFASS101 Louis XV style chandelier with crystal fruit and acanthus motif |
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| Lolo French Antiques et More Item #LFALO974 Louis XIV style buffet d'appui with acanthus ornamentation |
What style is your favorite?
À Bientôt!
Lolo & Mimi
Lolo & Mimi
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