Illustrated Architecture Dictionary ........ Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary
Illustrated Architecture Dictionary ........ Illustrated
FURNITURE Glossary
Volute
voh LOOT
Other name: Helix
Architecture
In classical architecture, a spiral scroll, as on Ionic, Corinthian or Composite capitals, or on ancones, etc.
Etymology: Latin: "voluta" = scrollScroll - A classical frieze ornament having a spiral form resembling a loosely rolled parchment
Alternate possible origin: The volute may derive from naturalistic forms such as the nautilus shell or fern. The circular, central part of a volute is called the eye.
Some see volutes resembling ram's horns.
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
FurnitureThe scrolled termination of a spiral
Cf., the end of a violin neck
Examples from Buffalo:
- Illustration above: 135 Linwood Ave.
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery
- Williams/Butler Mansion - chandelier
- St. Anthony's RC Church
- Buffalo Catholic Institute Public Library / Church of Scientology Buffalo
- Furniture: Lyre trestle table - Ansley Wilcox Mansion / Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
- Furniture: Queen Anne armchair - from the Georgia Forman House
Other examples:
- Erechtheion, Athens, Greece
- Warmoesstraat Central, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Illustration above: Furniture: Queen Anne side chair handhold - Winterthur Museum
- Furniture: Windsor chair rail - Fairmount Park Woodford House, Philadelphia
- Furniture: Neoclassical chair rail - Residence Museum, Munich, Germany
- Furniture: Queen Anne highboy - Winterthur Museum
