Renaissance Influence
The early examples of Italian Renaissance in France and England are generally pure in style, being in most instances of Italian design and execution. Later work by native exploiters in emulation of the style is invariably quite different, until the new style was better understood and assimilated; eventuating in versions that were distinctive and local.
No. 250. Early French Renaissance Carving. Francis I.
In the early French Renaissance the acanthus leaf was generally displayed in profile, the lobe being elliptic and pointed in shape, with clearly defined minor divisions; the sectional form was comparatively simple. Similar treatment, without the precision and grace of line characterised the Jacobean work in England; the relief work of which, being rather in the category of flat carving, consisting mainly of incised lines and grooves by which leaf form was expressed in profile or silhouette. These were invariably archaic and crude, though in view of the direct and simple execution not without individuality and interest.