Illustrated Architecture Dictionary
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Illustrated
FURNITURE Glossary
Egg-and-dart
Variations: Egg-and-anchor, Egg-and-arrow, and Egg-and-tongue
Erectheion, Acropolis, Athens, GreeceA decorative molding consisting of a series of bas-relief egg-shaped figures alternating with dart-shaped, anchor-shaped, or tongue-shaped figures.
An Ionic capital is usually enriched with egg-and-dart.
In the egg-and-anchor, egg-and-arrow, and egg-and-tongue moldings, the arrowhead ornament is varied in form.
Some historians contend this ornamental device is supposed to represent the duality of life (the egg) and death (the arrow).
Found in classical Greek and Roman architecture and derivatives, including Beaux Arts Classicism, Federal, Georgian Revival, Greek Revival, Neoclassicism, Renaissance Revival, Second Empire
Plaster medallion salvaged from 32 Park St., Buffalo.
Speculation: From 1860s or 1870s? Was this designed by a non- or semi-professional medallion manufacturer? Is it his/her interpretation of egg-and-dart?
Photo courtesy of Christopher N. Brown
Examples from Buffalo:
- Lower illustration above: Egg-and-arrow - Grace Millard Knox House
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Example #1
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Example #2
- Fidelity Trust Bank Building / Swan Tower
- Schoellkopf-Vom Berge Manor
- St. John the Baptist Church
- Root Building
- Delaware Court Building
- Frederick G. Goellner Mausoleum, Forest Lawn Cemetery ........... Photo: facade
- Watson House - Buffalo Club
- Ellicott Square Building
- Red Jacket Apts.
- Buffalo Museum of Science
- Sattler Theatre
Other examples:
- Upper illustration above: Erectheion, Acropolis, Athens, Greece
- Erectheion, Acropolis, Athens, Greece Caryatid ornament
- Museum, Olympia, Greece
- Pantheon, Rome, Italy
- Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, Italy
web site consulting by ingenious, inc.