A festoon (or garland) is a decorative motif in the shape of a hanging swag, often filled with flowers, fruit, leaves or ribbons. The motif originates from classical antiquity and became popular again in the Renaissance and Baroque. Festoons adorn façades, friezes, capitals, ceilings and grave monuments and carry a pronounced symbolic and festive meaning.
Forms and execution
Festoons come in many varieties:
Material
- Natural stone — carved in sandstone, marble or limestone
- Stucco — as ornament on ceilings and walls
- Wood — for altars, panelling and furniture
- Bronze or iron — for railings, lanterns and façades
- Painted — as trompe-l’œil decoration
Subjects
- Fruit festoon — apples, pears, grapes, often on country houses
- Flower festoon — garlands of roses and other blooms
- Laurel festoon — laurel leaves as a symbol of honour
- Ribbons and bows — connecting the festoon to rings or masks
Application
Festoons are traditionally used on:
- Friezes and architraves — above columns or windows
- Above door and window openings — as decoration of the lintel
- Sarcophagi and grave monuments — symbol of honour and remembrance
- Triumphal arches and memorials — as festive motif
- Ceiling borders — in salons and halls of patrician houses
- Chimney mantels — as a richly ornamented centrepiece
In English and Dutch architecture festoons were widely used during the 17th-century Classicism, Louis styles and Neoclassical period. When monumental buildings are restored, festoons are often re-created by sculptors using original techniques.
Related terms
- Garland
- Ornament
- Frieze
- Decoration
- Renaissance
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