Roman capital, 2nd century AD. Marble. Iron... Lot 1

Roman capital, 2nd century AD. Marble. Iron pedestal. Measures: 21 x 30 x 27 cm (capital); 30 x 20 x 20 x 20 cm (pedestal). This Roman capital, carved and trepanned, dates from the 2nd century. The acanthus leaf wraps around the capital, growing organically from the capitals to the abacus. Derived from the Greek Corinthian capital, this typology develops from the imitation of nature, so that most of the terms used to distinguish its parts have names from the plant world: calyxes, ribs, lobes.... In a somewhat later period, the leaves tended to be schematized, gradually turning towards the Byzantine capital. As a decorative element, the Roman capital occupies an important place alongside the plinths, spires and abacuses, of freer forms than the Greek orders in the interpretation of the artisans, although subject to canons and artistic tastes.