Illustrated Architecture Dictionary ...........................Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary.
Dolphin
Architecture
Dolphin columns
Delphinorum columnae: The two columns at one end of the spina of an ancient Roman circus, on which marble figures of dolphins were placed.
FurnitureA mid-16th-century (Renaissance) decoration and symbol for the Dauphin (pron. DAW fin), eldest son of the king of France.
Found also in the Baroque, Empire and Louis XVI styles.The dolphins used on Empire furniture are fish, not animals. Note the use of scales. There are dolphins, however, that are animals. Cf., boys riding dolphins in Greek statuary.
The symbol for love and swiftness.
See also: Animal legs
Examples:
- Left illustration above: Canal House Gable, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- McKinley Monument, Buffalo
- Right illustration above: Furniture: Empire dolphin 3-piece dining room set - Private collection, Buffalo, NY
- Furniture: Empire pier table - Athenaeum, Philadelphia
