Floral Motifs on Early Chintz
Acanthus sp. - Acanthus
Acanthus mollis from Basilius Bessler, Hortus Eystettensis, vol. 2, plate 277, 1620
Acanthus sp. (Acanthus) from the Private collection, Mexican Shell Flower, Iris, and Acanthus Leaf Fabric Panel, c.1830
Acanthus spinsosus (Acanthus) photo by Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Common Names: Acanthus, Bear's Breeches
Description: Acanthus sp. (Acanthus) is a member of the Acanthus Family (Acanthaceae). The Hortus Kewensis, ed. 2, vol. 4, pp.68-69 recorded three species of this plant with Acanthus mollis and A. spinosus both native to Italy. Today we know that both species are native to southern Europe. Acanthus leaves have been used as decorative motifs for centuries, and were used to ornament Corinthian capitals on pillars in ancient Greece.
Quilts with this Acanthus sp. (Acanthus) motif:
Printed cotton with this Acanthus sp. (Acanthus) motif:
Description: Acanthus sp. (Acanthus) is a member of the Acanthus Family (Acanthaceae). The Hortus Kewensis, ed. 2, vol. 4, pp.68-69 recorded three species of this plant with Acanthus mollis and A. spinosus both native to Italy. Today we know that both species are native to southern Europe. Acanthus leaves have been used as decorative motifs for centuries, and were used to ornament Corinthian capitals on pillars in ancient Greece.
Quilts with this Acanthus sp. (Acanthus) motif:
- None known at this time
Printed cotton with this Acanthus sp. (Acanthus) motif:
- Private collection, Mexican Shell Flower, Iris, and Acanthus Leaf Fabric Panel, c. 1830
© Updated 12/19/2021 Author: Terry Terrell