Estipite


The estipite column is a type of column or pilaster typical of the Churrigueresque Baroque style of Spain and Spanish America used in the 18th century. It was introduced between 1720 and 1760. The column has the shape of an inverted cone or obelisk. The shaft is always wider in its middle part than the base and capital. The column combines features of both late Baroque and Mannerist.

History

In the late Baroque period, many classical architectural elements lost their simple shapes and became increasingly complex, offering variety of forms and exuberant decoration. One of such elements where these changes were most visible was the altarpiece, where a special column commonly known as stipe, was introduced. Its shaft consists of various superimposed shapes serving as support for highly ornate decoration, mainly imitative of vegetation.