Acroter – a Pedestal for a Statue

An acroter is a plinth or pedestal for a statue or other ornament placed at a pediment’s apex or lower corners. More loosely, the term often refers to the ornament itself. A decorative device of classical architecture, the acroter was commonly used on European case furniture in all neoclassical styles. This usage was especially prevalent in the 18th century. Also called acrotere, actoterion and acroterium.

Case Study: The Acroter of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the most striking examples of acroterion sculpture in modern architecture is the central acroter sculpted by C. Paul Jennewein for the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This neoclassical pediment, adorned with sculptural elements, highlights the enduring role of acroteria in decorative and architectural design.

About the Sculpture

Jennewein, an accomplished sculptor known for his work in Art Deco and classical revival styles, created the central acroter that crowns the museum’s grand pediment. His piece is a bold fusion of classical motifs with modern sculptural techniques. It reflects the transitional design philosophy of the early 20th century.

The photograph documenting Jennewein’s acroter, housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, was originally part of a collection bequeathed by the art historian Kineton Parkes in 1938. Parkes, an influential figure in the documentation of sculpture, corresponded with numerous sculptors during the 1920s. He acquired significant photographic records that today serve as a valuable resource for art historians.

Acroterion in Classical and Modern Contexts

The acroter in Jennewein’s work exemplifies how architectural embellishments evolved from ancient Greek and Roman temples to modern civic buildings. In classical architecture, acroteria served both a decorative and symbolic function. They often represented gods, mythological creatures, or allegorical figures. In the case of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Jennewein’s sculpted acroter invokes a dialogue between antiquity and modernity. It embodies the aesthetic grandeur of Greek temples while aligning with the museum’s mission as a guardian of classical and contemporary art.

Technical and Artistic Considerations

Jennewein’s sculpture was executed in a style reminiscent of early 20th-century monumental public art. Grandiosity, clarity of form, and idealized human figures were key characteristics. The use of photographic documentation, as seen in the V&A Museum’s collection, further underscores the importance of sculptural studies. This helps in preserving architectural heritage.

Legacy and Influence

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is renowned for its neoclassical architectural language. It stands as a testament to the continued relevance of acroteria in monumental design. Jennewein’s contribution adds an essential chapter to the history of architectural sculpture. His work bridges classical ornamentation with modernist ideals.

Source

Boyce, C. (1985). The Wordsworth Dictionary of Furniture. Wordsworth Reference.

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

Victoria and Albert Museum. (n.d.). Photograph of the central acroter, sculpted by C. P. Jennewein, of a pediment of the Museum of Art in Philadelphia. Victoria and Albert Museum Collections. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1309495/

More Design Terms

Related articles

• Pedestal Table inspired by 🏛️ classical architecture
• End of WWII a revolution in furniture design
• Owen Jones (1809-1874) British architect & Designer
• Treasury of Art Nouveau Design & Ornament
• Stockholm Design Week September 5-9, 2023