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.
Jacobean.
A characteristic feature of the Jacobean style is the ornamental interlacing strapwork, with foliated or
No. 251. Development of the Acanthus Leaf.
A. Greek. B. Roman. C. Byzantine. D. Romanesque. E. Decorated Gothic. F. G. Italian Renaissance. H. French Renaissance, Period of Francis I.