Classical architecture Classical architecture usually denotes architecture which is more or less consciously derived from the principles of Greek and Roman architecture of classical antiquity, or sometimes even more specifically, from the works of the Roman architect ...

a term or terminal figure (plural: terms or termini) is a human head and bust that continues as a square tapering pillar-like form. Some may appear similar to a

herma A herma ( grc, ἑρμῆς, pl. ''hermai''), commonly herm in English, is a sculpture with a head and perhaps a torso above a plain, usually squared lower section, on which male genitals may also be carved at the appropriate height. Hermae we ...

. In the architecture and the painted architectural decoration of the European

Renaissance The Renaissance ( , ) , from , with the same meanings. is a period in European history marking the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity and covering the 15th and 16th centuries, characterized by an effort to revive and surpass id ...

and the succeeding Classical styles, term figures are quite common. Often they represent minor deities associated with fields and vineyards and the edges of woodland, Pan and fauns and Bacchantes especially, and they may be draped with garlands of fruit and flowers. Term figures were a particularly characteristic feature of the 16th-century style in furniture and carved interior decoration that is called Antwerp Mannerism. Engravings disseminated the style through Germany and England.

References

* Cyril M. Harris (1977). ''Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture''. Courier Dover Publications, ; p. 528

External links

* {{cite EB1911 , wstitle=Terminal Figures , volume=26 , page=642 , short=x
Pair of terminal statuettes
(The Metropolitan Museum)

(Buffalo Architecture Index) Columns and entablature Architectural elements Architectural history Ancient Roman sculpture Sculpture Ornaments (architecture)