Greek Ionic capital, c.5th-4th century BC
Marble
Dimensions: 27 x 70 x 58cm
12044
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Ionic capital carved in a white marble, with egg-and-dart and acanthus leaf ornamentation between the concave volute scrolls, a square abacus with smooth upper surface. Some chips and abrasions, the latter touched in in parts, one volute reattached
The Romans closely copied this form, so it is possible that this capital dates to the Roman Period of Greece, as seen with an example from Megara.
The Romans closely copied this form, so it is possible that this capital dates to the Roman Period of Greece, as seen with an example from Megara.
Provenance
Various sources; Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 29th July 1979
R.S.L., London, UK; acquired prior to 2000
Accompanied by letters from the relevant Greek and Italian authorities renouncing any current or future claim over this piece
Literature
Compare a very close example on show in the Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece, which was found in MegaraFor a Greek example dated to the 4th century BC, which only differs in the treatment of the outside length of the scrolls, computer British Museum, London, museum number 1816,0610.231
