Marble capital with hooks - Italy14th century

This magnificent Italian marble capital dates from the Gothic period.
The abacus, which forms the upper part of the capital, is smooth, flat and square. The basket is decorated with plant-shaped hooks. Three hooks adorn each side of the capital. Vegetal forms, such as acanthus leaves, are highly stylized here, and are a common feature of Gothic capital decorations.
The hooks form ornaments ending in foliage heads, often used in medieval sculpture. Like other carved ornaments in Gothic architecture, hooks are prominent and highly developed. They form interlacing motifs inherited from Roman capitals, in which buds develop, similar to Corinthian capitals.
( Dimensions without base )