Capital with Palmettes and Leaves

Unknown

late 8th century · Alabaster, gypsum; carved in relief · Islamic Art

This capital, carved of soft alabaster, demonstrates the emergence of the distinctive Beveled style from an earlier vegetal style in the early Abbasid period. Classical curled leaf forms on more traditionally decorated capitals gave way to the typical slant-cut and more abstract Beveled style carvings. This capital demonstrates a transition between the two styles.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 8th century

Medium

Alabaster, gypsum; carved in relief

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Samuel D. Lee Fund, 1936