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Marble pilaster capital

1st half of 1st century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 162
The capital was once set against a wall, crowning a rectangular semi-detached pilaster. In Roman architecture three major orders of capitals were used—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. This pilaster capital is a fine example of the most elaborate, the Corinthian order. Three acanthus leaves rise from the base and two flowers on delicately carved stems curl upward between them. A classical molding with stylized lotus flowers over a band of bead and reel separates the lower part of the capital from the two volutes around which a leafy vine entwines. At the top, a single flower decorates the center of the straight abacus.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble pilaster capital
  • Period: Early Imperial, Julio-Claudian
  • Date: 1st half of 1st century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: Overall: 21 x 28in. (53.3 x 71.1cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.60.84
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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