Veranda magazine is running a wonderful editorial on the use of the venerable acanthus leaf as used in ornamentation beginning with 5th century Greece. This enduring botanical motif is ubiquitous in the Parthanon, and has been used in virtually imaginable decorative application through the ages. It was first used on capitals, or tops, of a style of column called Corinthian. Greek architects also incorporated acanthus leaves into friezes on the walls of buildings.

Later, the Romans adopted acanthus leaves in the design for an even more elaborate style of capital where the leaves were mixed with larger ram's horn curls and other elements. Also largely prevalent in the high renaissance, the article has a wonderful reference to Agostino Veneziano’s engraving of a Roman capital beautifully cloaked in acanthus leaves.

If you pick up the issue, please notice the gilded acanthus corner in the lower left of the page. This is a piece from our “Petitsin Collection” Part number PR 1569. As always, we much very appreciate the acknowledgment and reference from Veranda Magazine and their wonderful staff and editors.