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Volute of Ionic corner capital
Greek
Classical Period
about 450 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
Width: about 15 cm (5 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Benjamin and Lucy Rowland Fund
Accession Number1984.441
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsArchitectural elements
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), no. 007.
DescriptionThe wedge-shaped fragment is formed by two volutes meeting at an oblique angle. Below, the space between the volutes is hollowed out. The volutes themselves are convex and turned almost two full turns. They are bordered by fillets of wedge-shaped profile, and are centered in a flat disc. The edge of the capital is a V-shaped channel, separated from the volute faces by a ridge.
These volutes probably come from a corner of a pediment, where two scroll sides are placed toward the outside of the pediment and two bolster sides are placed toward the interior. It is much less likely that stem from a "four-sided" Ionic, in .
The three volutes of Ionic capitals acquired in 1984 (1984.440-1984.442) are similar to another in the MFA collection (1961.152), although slightly less complete in two instances. All have the same reputed provenance from Selinunte. Two are from normal Ionics with bolsters adjoining the scrolls, and two are from Ionics with scrolls on adjoining sides.
Except at the breaks the fragment has a yellow patina.
Said to be from Selinunte, seemingly from Locri Sicily or Calabria.
These volutes probably come from a corner of a pediment, where two scroll sides are placed toward the outside of the pediment and two bolster sides are placed toward the interior. It is much less likely that stem from a "four-sided" Ionic, in .
The three volutes of Ionic capitals acquired in 1984 (1984.440-1984.442) are similar to another in the MFA collection (1961.152), although slightly less complete in two instances. All have the same reputed provenance from Selinunte. Two are from normal Ionics with bolsters adjoining the scrolls, and two are from Ionics with scrolls on adjoining sides.
Except at the breaks the fragment has a yellow patina.
Said to be from Selinunte, seemingly from Locri Sicily or Calabria.
ProvenanceSaid to come from Selinunte. By 1964, Robert E. Hecht, Jr., New York [see note]; 1984, sold by Robert Hecht to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 12, 1984)
NOTE: Lent to the MFA August 14, 1964 (loan no. 139.64). According to Hecht, he purchased this in 1961 from Adolph Hakenleiter, Rüschlikon, Switzerland, who had inherited it. This information has not been verified.
NOTE: Lent to the MFA August 14, 1964 (loan no. 139.64). According to Hecht, he purchased this in 1961 from Adolph Hakenleiter, Rüschlikon, Switzerland, who had inherited it. This information has not been verified.