Bracket and Strigillation

Many classical projects have carved brackets as part of the enhanced decoration around the front door. The degree of decoration can vary from elaborate – as illustrated – to simplified and the scrolled bracket can take different forms, while retaining its essential characteristics. In addition, a frieze, cornice or architrave can be more or less decorated. The frieze shown here is derived from curved instruments, strigils, that the Romans used to scrape clean their skin in Roman baths.