Definition of Pilaster With Acanthus
The pilaster with acanthus is a columnlike structure, the pilaster, decorated with leaves of the acanthus plant. The decoration is on the crown, or the capital section, of the pilaster which, like a column, has a base and a shaft. Its history stretches back to the 5th century B.C.E. when the acanthus was first used for ornamentation by the Greeks. Acanthus decoration of pilasters has continued into modern times. Does this Spark an idea?
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Acanthus
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An ancient column crowned with acanthus. The acanthus is a Mediterranean plant with jagged leaves. Its decorative and sometimes stylized form on pilasters often takes the shape of scrolls, vines and/or leaf clusters. Acanthus leaves were the foundation of foliage ornamentation in the classic architecture of Greece and Rome.
Pilaster
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Pilasters decorating windows. The pilaster, unlike the column, which is constructed to support a structure, is meant only for ornamentation. Built against a wall or molding, it decorates what might otherwise be a monotonous, plain surface. The design and ornamentation of a pilaster on a structure always replicates that of the columns.
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Acanthus History
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Scrolls growing out of acanthus leaves in a Corinthian column. In addition to the acanthus being used on ancient Greek pilasters, it also appeared on temple roofs, columns and wall friezes, sculptured or ornamental strips. Since the Renaissance, about 1400 to 1600 C.E., the acanthus has been a popular motif in furniture decoration. In some periods, the design became stiff and restrained; in others, free and exuberant. It depended on the fashion of the times.
Pilaster History
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Pilasters decorate the Colosseum. One of the earliest known uses of pilasters is in the Roman Colosseum, the famous amphitheater built in the first century C.E. The pilaster became increasingly decorated with acanthus and other motifs as time progressed. In the Renaissance, pilasters became popular for use both on interior and exterior walls, and, by the Neoclassical period of the late 18th century, it was common.
Modern Use
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Today, pilasters decorated with acanthus continue to be crafted, usually of carved wood. In addition to decorating the pilasters' capitals, the acanthus is sometimes added as ornamentation to bases and even shafts. A variety of other ornamentation may be added to the shafts and bases. Today, as in the past, acanthus-decorated pilasters are used indoors or out and as decoration for fireplaces, cabinets, windows and doors.
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References
- Photo Credit column detail image by fafoutis from Fotolia.com column image by hugy from Fotolia.com fragment of a facade of the house image by Galina Moiseeva from Fotolia.com Archangel Gabriel statue on top of the 40 metres high column image by citylights from Fotolia.com THE COLOSSEUM image by adriana romano from Fotolia.com
