Corbels have been found all through the globe and their beginnings can be found as far back as the late BC centuries. Initially made of stone or wood and employed on the outside of a building, a corbel is any brace that juts from a wall and provides support to balconies, roofs, shelving, or any significant load. The word “corbel” is taken from the Latin corvus, defining a raven, which refers to its break-like appearance.

The first application of this brace was witnessed during the earliest Chinese structural design in the creation of a dougong, an extremely complex structural element of interlocking wooden brackets set together without the employment of glue or fasteners, and soon evolved into an architectural system that attached pillars and columns to the framework of the roof. Today, they are still considered as an important component in traditional asian architecture.

Corbel’s orgin can also be traced to ancient Greece and Rome. For instance, the acanthus leaf that adorned corbels throughout the medieval and renaissance eras, and is still familiar among modern corbels, was originally observed in the 5th century BC. Archaic Greek civilization was the earliest to use this motif which was later on modified by the Romans so that the tips of the leaves curled. This foliaceous pattern continued in popularity in the Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is still prefered in the present.

Corbels began achieving popularity during Europe’s architectural development of the medieval era. Although the Romanesque stone corbels were typically constucted with a plain appearance, expertly detailed pieces began emerging with additions such as heads of humans, animals or imaginary beasts, angels, and other motifs. These intricate corbels began appearing in the same monasteries, churches, and cathedrals that are idolized even now.

During the prior century the art of designing corbels has truly been perfected. Corbels are now being applied where never thought possible: inside the contemporary residence. Modern architecture now allows designers to make corbels from an assortment of materials which includes anything from marble and faux stone to concrete and polyurethane. Because wood is such an accommodating medium, capable of being crafted by hand or digitally drawn on computer and created through a CNC machine, it has increased in recognition among architects. In our day, corbel designs can be found to suit any style. The traditional acanthus leaf corbel and grape cluster corbels are now complimented by a variety of shell corbels, oak leaf corbels, wave corbels, fluted corbels, and many more. Corbels now have many applications in the everyday residence and, whether accenting a fireplace mantel or garnishing an entryway, are certain to bring a sophisticated elegance and powerful artistic air with them.

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