- Volute
A volute is a spiral scroll-like ornament that forms the basis of the
Ionic order , found in the capital of the Ionic column. It was later incorporated intoCorinthian order and Composite column capitals. Four are normally to be found on an Ionic capital, eight on Composite capitals and smaller versions (sometimes called "helix") on the Corinthian capital. ["Volute". "A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture". James Stevens Curl. Oxford University Press 2006]The word derives from the Latin "voluta" ("scroll"). It has been suggested that the ornament was inspired by the curve of a ram's horns, or perhaps was derived from the natural spiral of the
ovule of a common species ofclover native toGreece . Alternatively, it may simply be of geometrical origins. ["Volute". "The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology". Timothy Darvill. Oxford University Press, 2002]The ornament is used as an element of
Renaissance andBaroque architecture and is a common decoration in furniture design, silver and ceramics. A method of drawing the complex geometry was devised by the ancient Roman architectVitruvius from classical buildings and structures.References
External links
* [http://www.nexusjournal.com/AndGal.html Geometric Methods of the 1500s for Laying Out the Ionic Volute]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
