Ionic Base 1525 - 1545

This engraving of an Ionic base comes to us from around 1535, made by Monogrammist G.A. & the Caltrop. Note the intricate details, and let your eyes follow the delicate acanthus leaves and the rhythmic egg-and-dart pattern. The Ionic order, born in ancient Greece, carries a rich history. The volutes at the capital are said to mimic a woman's curled hair, embodying grace. The base is no less symbolic. The repeated motifs are reminiscent of ancient rituals, symbolizing continuity. Look at the guilloche pattern - this interwoven design speaks to the cyclical nature of life. You see it echoed through the ages, from Roman mosaics to Renaissance textiles. This image invites us to delve into the collective unconscious, to trace how these ancestral memories resurface, transformed yet familiar. The emotional power lies in its deep connection to human experience, evoking a sense of timelessness that resonates within us. The symbol is not still: it’s an unbroken link in the chain of human history, resurfacing with each era.