Inverted Volutes
Submitted by GFS on Fri, 2007-03-16 16:35.
It seems that the Baroque and Rococo periods enjoyed the most prevalent use of inverted volutes on Corinthian columns. What started this phenomenon???
Some examples:
S. Carlo alle Quatro Fontane (S. Carlino), by Borromini
S. Maria Maddalena in Rome from the office of Quilan & Francis Terry Oratorio dei Filippini by Borromini (order at entry portico)
A Lighter Meaning??
As for the inverted volutes, I have noticed they appear to give the capital more of an elongated proportion. While traditional volutes close down forming a natural cap to the top of the column, the inverted volute opens the top of the column up, almost like a pair of arms reaching up. This "open" expression gives the columns the illusion of being taller. Even if this idea my not appear to fit in all cases; the upward role does seem to accent the upward movement of the column helping to accentuate the vertical movement of the building and appear lighter.