Estipite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The estipite column is a type of pilaster used in buildings in the Mannerist and Baroque styles,[1] a moment when many classical architectural elements lost their simple shapes and became increasingly complex, offering a variety of forms and exuberant decoration.[2] This sort of column has the shape of an inverted pyramid or obelisk. Sometimes the shaft is wider in its middle part than in the base or capital.[3][4] Examples include Michelangelo’s Biblioteca Laurenziana (1523–1571).[5] It became later a signature element of the Churrigueresque Baroque style of Spain and Spanish America in the 18th century.[6]
Form
The shape of the estipite has a narrow base and the shaft is in the shape of an inverted obelisk.[7] This is a variation to previous uses of the pilaster which deviates from classical architecture with its form. In classical architecture, pilasters give the impression that they have a load bearing function. However, due to the obelisk shape of the estipite, this tradition is disrupted.[8] The estipite is not supposed to look solid, instead be dynamic and create movement. Creating an apparent lightness to the structure.[5]
Manuel Toussaint defines estipites as:
“A supporting member, square or rectangular in section, and formed of multiple elements: pyramids and truncated prisms, parallelepipeds, superimposed foliage, medallions, garlands, bouquets, festoons. The ornament is all vegetable, applied to geometric forms”.[5]
Capitals
The capitals usually highlight the line of a broken cornice and are unabridged. They may be connected to another estipite by a horizontal entablature.[9] The capital for esiplite pilasters are typically Corinthian.[7] There are deviations to this. For example, decorations of vegetation and cherub heads take the place of the Corinthian capital in Capilla del Sagrario for the Cathedral of Segovia by Jeronimo de Balbas.[5]
Double Columns
Similar to Baroque styling with the use of double columns, the double estipites is a feature in some Churrigueresque buildings.[9]
Alongside other styles
Estipies were utilized between Ultra-Baroque and the rise of Neo-Classical styles. Therefore, even though estipites are distinct in style, they are sometimes used alongside Solomonic and classical columns. A good example of this is San Francisco Acatepec in Puebla.[7]
