Acanthus

Debuting today is a new column, Design Dictionary.    In it I hope to develop a useful, pictorial reference for common design terms.  I created a new category called, “Design Dictionary,” on my blog so you can easily search it.  Plus I have put together a new Pinterest board , also called “Design Dictionary”. There, you will find  images that illustrate the terms because, so often, these concepts are best defined with a picture.  I hope to run the column weekly because…..

If you are going to walk the walk, you should talk the talk.

Acanthus

ACANTHUS  “a CAN thus” :  A stylized leaf of the Mediterranean plant,  Acanthus spinous, with large prickly leaves used as a popular ornamental motif.  Found in ancient Greek architecture to decorate the column capitals of the Corinthian Order (as shown in the first photo).  Seen everywhere, but  look for it on the legs in Queen Anne and Rococo furniture. 

Wallpaper by William Morris, c.1875

Furniture

On a trip to Rome, I snapped this shot of a blooming acanthus plant. Look closely at the leaves.

Photo credits: First image, Second image,  William Morris Wallpaper, Rococco Desk, Queen Anne chair fromChristies.com, Close up of carving, Urns, Mirror from 1st Dibs.