The Ornament on the Corinthian Capital

What ornament is patterned after the large, toothed leaves of a Mediterranean plant on the Corinthian capital?

a. Acanthus

b. Modillion

c. Attic base

d. Echinus

Answer:

The ornament on the Corinthian capital patterned after a Mediterranean plant's leaves is called an Acanthus leaf.

The ornament on the Corinthian capital that is patterned after the large, toothed leaves of a Mediterranean plant of the same name is the Acanthus leaf. The Corinthian capital is known for its elaborate design, which includes the stylized leaves of the acanthus plant that grow around the capital, typically terminating just below the abacus.

This style of ornamentation became particularly popular in Roman architecture, where the Corinthian order was employed in numerous significant buildings, such as the Temple of Mars Ultor, the Pantheon in Rome, and the Maison Carrée in Nîmes. The acanthus leaf motifs on the capital contribute to the intricate and ornate style that distinguishes the Corinthian order from the plainer Doric and the less elaborate Ionic orders.