Glossary of Medieval Architecture

acanthus: A Mediterranean plant. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and scalloped. A stylization of the acanthus leaf was often used in ancient decoration, especially the Corinthian capital.

See also:Corinthian capital

Click here for pronounciation.


Front view
Drawing by John Ruskin


Side view
Drawing by John Ruskin


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All images and html code in this project are © Jane Vadnal. Any use of them without her express written consent is prohibited. Email: medart@unixs.cis.pitt.edu.
Created by Jane Vadnal 05/97