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Column Capital with Acanthus leaves
Byzantine
Early Byzantine Period
6th century A.D.
Place of Manufacture: Northern Syria
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
Overall: 47cm (18 1/2in.)
Diameter and weight: 419 lb. (190.1 kg)
Framed (Square steel plate / wooden palette): 10.6 x 68.6 x 67.3 cm (4 3/16 x 27 x 26 1/2 in.)
Diameter and weight: 419 lb. (190.1 kg)
Framed (Square steel plate / wooden palette): 10.6 x 68.6 x 67.3 cm (4 3/16 x 27 x 26 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Herrmann, Jr.
Accession Number1980.469
CollectionsEurope, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsArchitectural elements
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), no. 056.
DescriptionThe acanthus leaves of the classical Corinthian capital have been transformed into the lace-like surface of sharply cut out vines, an aesthetic thought to have been originally inspired by contemporary jewelry designs. This style of carving is found in the decorative architectural sculpture of churchs in Constantinople (Hagia Sophia, SS. Sergius and Bacchus, Polyeuktos). This as well as chancel screen (1978.499) and Pier captial (1978.500) come from Northern Syria in the rural communities surrounding the capital city of Antioch.
ProvenanceSaid to have been bought in Beirut [see note 1]. 1972, sold by Michele Zoppo (dealer), Rome, to John Herrmann and Ariel Herrmann, Dedham, MA [see note 2]; 1980, gift of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Herrmann to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 10, 1980)
NOTES:
[1] According to information from the donors when the capital was first lent to the MFA in 1976. [2] According to the donors.
NOTES:
[1] According to information from the donors when the capital was first lent to the MFA in 1976. [2] According to the donors.