Palmette - Classical Architecture

Classical Architecture

As an ornamental motif found in classical architecture, the palmette and anthemion take many and varied forms. Typically, the upper part of the motif consists of five or more leaves or petals fanning rhythmically upwards from a single triangular or lozenge-shaped source at the base. In some instances fruits resembling palm fruits hang down on either side above the base and below the lowest leaves. The lower part consists of a symmetrical pair of elegant 'S' scrolls or volutes curling out sideways and downwards from the base of the leaves. The upper part recalls the thrusting growth of leaves and flowers, while the volutes of the lower part seem to suggest both contributing fertile energies and resulting fruits. It is often present on the necking of the capital of ionic order columns; however in column capitals of the Corinthian order it takes the shape of a 'fleuron' or flower resting against the abacus (top-most slab) of the capital and springing out from a pair of volutes which, in some versions, give rise to the elaborate volutes and acanthus ornament of the capital.

In classical architecture the motif had specific uses, including:

1. the fronts of ante-fixae,
2. acroteria
3. the upper portion of the stele or vertical tombstones,
4. the necking of the Ionic columns of the Erechtheum and its continuation as a decorative frieze on the walls of the same, and
5. the cymatium of a cornice.