Greece

Classical Acanthus and Palmette Acroterion

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Developed during the Classical and Hellenistic periods of ancient Greece, specifically flourishing from the 5th century BCE through the 2nd century BCE (with prominent stylistic revivals throughout neoclassical and historicist architecture from the 18th to the 19th centuries).

Architecturally, an acroterion served as a decorative pedestal-mounted sculpture designed to break the stark horizontal line of the roof cornice, visually anchor the corners or apex of a pediment, and symbolize the sanctity and architectural completion of a classical monument.