Altarpiece element. Spain, 17th century

Altarpiece element with acanthus leaf motif. Spain, 17th century.
Carved, polychromed and gilded wood.
Measurements: 12 x 17 cm.
Spanish altarpiece element, dated around the 17th century. It has a decorative plant motif, acanthus leaves. The acanthus, a word that comes from the Latin acanthum, is a decorative element in art. The acanthus leaf served to add elegance to the Corinthian-style capital, from which in turn the Roman composite capital derived, which also retained the same Greek-created decoration. The ornament survived classical antiquity, reappearing in medieval Gothic, and can be found in a wide variety of styles and artistic periods.