Anthemion v. Palmette

Anthemion v. Palmette

ANTHEMION v. PALMETTE: These two terms are often used interchangeably.  Both are motifs in decorative arts that consist of a group of fronds, sometimes with the center frond being a bit taller.  Seen in classical styles, especially in the Neoclassical style of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

If you are being picky (and we are), there is a distinction between anthemion and palmette.  The fronds of an anthemion, which means honeysuckle, tend to curl inward.  The fronds of a palmette, which is inspired by a palm, are flat or curl outward.  This distinction is readily apparent when one looks at the plants that inspired the motifs.

Honeysuckle flower. Note how the petals curve inward.

Note how leaves and overall shape of the palm tree curve outward.

Anthemions alternating with palmettes on column base

ANTHEMION

The cornice of a day bed canopy at Belvoir Castle Leicestershire, UK

Peter Paul Rubens
The Artist and His First Wife, Isabella Brant, in the Honeysuckle Bower (detail)
1609-10
Note anthemion motif on sleeve

PALMETTE

At the top of the columns

Neoclassical period wallpaper

RUGS

The term “palmette”  is typically  used when describing a frond motif in rugs, whether or not the frond  veers inward or outward. 

Photo credits:  Anthemion Necklace photo by Abigail Percy. Honeysuckle flower from here.    Palm tree image. Drawing of  here.   Pediment from my tumblr where sources are noted.   column base.  Fence collage, top image here, bottom image by me (at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum).  Day bed cornice.   tiara.   finial.  Painting by Rubens.  Drawing from here.  Columns with palmettes.  Lace.  Dining room photo by Ellen McDermott (major crop by me).  bracelet.  Chairs.  Chandelier. rug motif,   Rug with anthemion motif by me.