The rich vocabulary of this special console table reveals a motif which was introduced centuries ago: the acanthus leaf. Ancient Greeks first used the acanthus to adorn the tops of Corinthian columns and friezes in the 5th Century B.C. Today, the classical motif still appears in furniture decoration and classical-style interiors.
Zcollector
OCT 18, 2021, 10:55PM
Classic aesthetic introduced centuries ago transcend time and trends.
Enduring Design
Cutting a striking profile with prominent acanthus motif, the console table featured here reveals quintessential elements of the Renaissance style. As design symbol, these leaves are enduring because they’ve been used since the 5th century BC, most notably on temple of Apollo, according to historians. Given the plant’s background, its symbolic meaning, enduring life or long life and immortality, clearly seems to prevail. The design has survived centuries capturing history in its profile. Recognizable, memorable, and symbolic, it comes as no surprise that long lives the acanthus motif.
Another design element of the Renaissance was the circle and square. Here, we see the semi circle as an interplay in the framing of the acanthus leaf on the frieze of this console.
The egg-and-dart design, set in rhythmically repeated patterns along the table’s surface edges infused a cohesive polished aesthetic. Adapted from ancient Greek and Roman architecture and often seen adoring classical cornices or atop iconic capitals and friezes as well as molding or trim, its visual appeal provides a regal and stately feel.