Capitol Appraisal

Ionic Capital (Capitello Ionico)

This item is an Ionic capital, likely carved from white marble or a similar light-colored, fine-grained stone. It exhibits the characteristic volutes (scrolls) of the Ionic order on its sides, which are deeply carved and well-defined. Below the volutes, there's a band of ornate carving, possibly an egg-and-dart motif or acanthus leaves, though the details are somewhat obscured by wear and resolution. The overall form is robust, suggesting it supported a significant architectural load. The stone itself shows considerable aging, with a nuanced patina, minor chips, and abrasion consistent with centuries of exposure and handling. No distinct maker's marks are visible. The information provided states it dates to the 4th century A.D. and originated from a monumental building constructed between the 1st century B.C. and 1st century A.D., then renovated in the 4th century and later converted into a place of worship. A notable unique aspect is its reworking in the Late Antique period, where Christian symbols—specifically the Solomon's knot and vine tendrils—were incorporated onto two of its sides. This re-carving indicates a blending of classical architectural forms with early Christian iconography, making it a significant historical artifact that bridges pagan and Christian eras. The craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, indicative of skilled stone carvers from the Roman (and later Late Roman) period, despite the visible signs of antiquity.