In Classical architecture 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 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

Bacchante In Greek mythology, maenads (; grc, μαινάδες ) were the female followers of Dionysus and the most significant members of the Thiasus, the god's retinue. Their name literally translates as "raving ones". Maenads were known as Bassarids, ...

s 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)