The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of September 16, 2026

A gilt-bronze column capital consists of organic and geometric forms flaring from a narrow base. At the top corners, the metal curls into spiral volutes flanking a central rectangular projection. Jagged acanthus leaves wrap around the bottom. The textured gold surface, mottled with reddish-brown, catches the light to highlight alternating smooth and rough patches. A circular void marks the flat top. The piece transitions from foliage-like designs to structured architectural shapes.

Ornamental Capital

1775–1799

France, late 18th century

gilt bronze
Overall: 2.3 x 2.3 cm (7/8 x 7/8 in.)
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1919.726.a
Location: Not on view
  • Henry Oothout Milliken, Chicago
  • {{cite web|title=Ornamental Capital|url=false|author=|year=1775–1799|access-date=16 September 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1919.726.a