Illustrated Architecture Dictionary ......... Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary
Illustrated Architecture Dictionary ......... Illustrated
FURNITURE Glossary
Palmette
pal MET
Architecture
An stylized palm leaf used as a decorative element, notably in Persian rugs and in classical moldings, reliefs, frescoes, and vase paintings
Architecture - Greek palmette
Fan-shaped ornamental motif resembling either a palm leaf or a loose cluster of honeysuckle flowers
A band of palmettes (and lotus) is called an anthemion.
One of the chief elements in the classical Greek anthemion. One type of ancient Greek palmette resembles honeysuckle flowers, another is more like a palm leaf. Both were used in bands of anthemion ornament.
Found in classical Greek and Roman architecture and derivatives, including Beaux Arts Classicism, Classical Revival, Federal, Georgian Revival, Greek Revival, Neoclassicism, Renaissance Revival, Second Empire
Furniture
Found in furniture, Persian rugs, and in classical moldings, reliefs, frescoes, and vase paintings
Examples from Buffalo architecture
- Illustration above: Albert J. Wright House / Beau Fleuve
- Sconce: Harlow C. Curtiss House / International Institute
- Blessed Trinity RC Church
- Williams-Pratt House (anthemion)
- 591 Delaware Avenue (anthemion)
- Spaulding Building (anthemion)
- Buffalo Savings Bank (anthemion)
- Chair: Margaret Lautz Munschauer House
- Table frieze rail: Wilcox Mansion / Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
Other examples:
- Egyptian palm capital - British Museum, London, England
- Egyptian palm capital - Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
- Wrought iron gate ornamentation - Albright Memorial Library, Scranton, Pa.
- Erechtheion, Acropolis, Athens, Greece (anthemion)
- Corinthian capital - Olympia Museum, Greece
- Furniture: chair crest- Residence Museum, Munich, Germany
