Estípite

estípite

In Spanish and Latin-American Mannerist architecture and derivatives, a shaft of square cross section, tapering downward, frequently combined with other unusual elements, the whole used like an order.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Estípite

 

a pilaster typical of Latin American, especially Mexican, late baroque architecture of the “ultrabaroque” style. The estípite is characterized by complex profile and a sumptuous variety of decorative trimming. It is made up of small forms that seem to be piled on one another. The estípite developed as a part of carved wooden retables; its use became widespread in 18th century stone architecture.

REFERENCE

Villegas, V. M. El gran signo formal del barroco: Ensayo histórico del apoyo estípite. Mexico City, 1956.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.