Capital with Putti Holding Wreaths and with Acanthus Leaves
Unknown Artist
second half 4th century
Medium
Limestone; carved in relief
Dimensions
H. 19 5/16 in. (49 cm) W. 22 13/16 in. (58 cm) D. 22 13/16 in. (58 cm) Wt. 217 lbs. (98.4 kg) Crate: Ht. 33 in. (83.8 cm) W. 35 in. (88.9 cm) D. 33 in. (83.8 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1910
Accession Number
10.177.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic department, this intricately carved limestone capital from the second half of the4th century exemplifies the exuberant stonework of Late Antiquity. Measuring about 19 inches tall and weighing over 200 pounds, it features playful putti—cherubic child figures—frolicking amid lush acanthus leaves, some holding wreaths aloft. These motifs evoke classical Roman traditions of victory, abundance, and eternal life, rendered in shallow relief that catches the light to bring the scene alive. Crafted from durable limestone, a favored medium for archite...