Acanthus foliations

Two registers of leaves with a clear demarcation between them articulate the calathos of this double capital. The surface of these flat leaves is overlaid by acanthus foliations, which occupy both sides of the central spine in the usual way. The point of departure are the five- or seven-lobed leaves that peep out from between the flatter leaves; they are each framed by the split spine of a further leaf, followed in turn by a half leaf which is thrust against the central spine. The stonemason has here – as in other capitals in the cloister – deliberately played with the contrast between rough preparation of the stone and delicate carving. The upper part of the calathos, the console block and the volutes show the same structure as in W18MS74 and E18MS36.
The cornice at the top of the impost block is decorated simply with a pattern of overlapping circles. The bevelled impost frieze below consists of two crouching lions on each side, one behind the other. They have elongated bodies and outward-looking heads. Their tails are wound between their legs and over their bellies, so that the tuft of fur at the end of their tails lies over their backs. Each lion is grasping the left rear leg of its forerunner in its maw.

lion acanthus