scrollwork etymology

Etymology

  • "Scrollwork" is a compound word derived from the following roots:

    • "Scroll": From the Old French "escrol" or the Middle English "scrowle," both meaning a written document rolled up or unrolled.
    • "Work": From the Old English "weorc," meaning a product or result of labor.

Meaning

Scrollwork refers to an ornamental design characterized by curved and spiraling lines, often resembling the unrolling of a scroll or document. It is a type of decorative motif commonly used in various art forms, from architecture and furniture design to textiles and jewelry.

Origin

  • Scrollwork originated in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece.
  • In ancient Egypt, scrollwork was used in hieroglyphics and as a decorative element on monuments and temples.
  • In Mesopotamia, it was incorporated into the cuneiform writing system and used in architectural embellishments.
  • In Classical Greece, scrollwork became a prominent motif in architectural ornamentation, such as volutes on Ionic capitals and friezes on temples.
  • Throughout history, scrollwork has been adopted and reinterpreted by various cultures and art movements, from Romanesque architecture to the Renaissance and Victorian periods.

scrollwork relate terms

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  • shred

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  • work

    Etymology The word work comes from the Old English word weorc which means to do t

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  • caterpillar

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  • iris

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  • atavism