Germany (Hildesheim)

Classical Corinthian Capital with Figural Impost Block Featuring Lions and Acanthus Scrolls

2485

Created in the Early to High Romanesque period (circa 1010–1033 CE / late 12th-century secondary integration), reflecting the Ottonian architectural campaign under Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim with later Romanesque stonecarving developments.

This image captures a composite column capital and sculpted impost block assembly. The lower section features a modified classical Corinthian bell capital adorned with deeply carved acanthus leaves, curling volutes, and central palmettes, while the upper block (impost) displays a frieze of prowling lions intertwined with foliate scrollwork. It is carved from fine-grained limestone or sandstone, executed using deep chisel cutting, drillwork (sottosquadro) for shadow definition, and relief modeling.