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Composite capital with smooth leaves
Roman
Early Christian Period
about A.D. 400–440
Medium/Technique
Stone, Green porphyry ("serpentino")
Dimensions
20.3 x 20.3 cm (8 x 8 in.); Legacy dimension: H: 20.3 cm (8 in.); W: 20.3 em. (8 in.)
Credit Line
Charles Amos Cummings Fund
Accession Number1997.3
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsArchitectural elements
DescriptionComposite capital with smooth leaves (one of a pair with 1995.680).
Square abacus, lobed on four sides, with Ionic volutes; on each echinus, a lotus flower in relief; on each corner, a smooth-edged acanthus leaf arises, flanking the lotus stems. Traces of encrustation in some recesses; lower edge broken or eroded off on one side, smaller piece missing at bottom of adjoining side.
Square abacus, lobed on four sides, with Ionic volutes; on each echinus, a lotus flower in relief; on each corner, a smooth-edged acanthus leaf arises, flanking the lotus stems. Traces of encrustation in some recesses; lower edge broken or eroded off on one side, smaller piece missing at bottom of adjoining side.
ProvenanceBy 1995: with Acanthus Gallery, 24 East 81th Street, New York, NY 10028; purchased by MFA from Acanthus Gallery, January 22, 1997