Description
| ITEM | Ionic column base, fragment |
| MATERIAL | Marble |
| CULTURE | Roman, Smyrna |
| PERIOD | 1st Century A.D |
| DIMENSIONS | 170 mm x 400 mm x 80 mm |
| CONDITION | Good condition |
| PROVENANCE | Ex Paul Gaudin collection, Paris 1858 – 1921 Versailles, archaeologist, engineer and great patron of the Louvre Museum; Acquired between 1894 and 1905 and by family descent. |
The Ionic column is a prominent architectural element within the Ionic order, one of the classical orders of ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Its defining feature is the ornate Ionic capital, which boasts distinctive volutes, or scroll-like decorations, on each side. These columns are typically fluted, with vertical grooves running along the shaft, and they rest on a decorative base composed of various moldings. The Ionic order is celebrated for its elegant and graceful design, often chosen for structures that exude refinement and sophistication, such as temples and public buildings. The Ionic order’s influence extends well beyond ancient times, as it remains a significant source of inspiration in neoclassical and contemporary architectural styles.
