Architectural ornaments
Reference articles are in English.
Carved columns, capitals and arches at Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya, Türkiye. Source
Description
Stone architectural ornaments include capitals, mouldings, finials, keystones, foliage and figures. They may follow established forms or be designed for a contemporary building. Repeated units can be made to a common pattern or given individual variation.
History
Medieval European buildings used carved ornament on portals, piers and column capitals. Classical forms were adapted and reused, with the shape of each architectural element influencing the carving.
Commissioning
New work needs drawings of the surrounding design and intended scale. Replacement work needs records of surviving profiles and evidence for lost parts. Templates, models, joints, structural support and installation should be defined in the commission.