corbels

Corbels are architectural elements that project from a wall to bear a load above them. They may be structural, transferring the weight of arches, beams, cornices, balconies, or shelves, or primarily ornamental. In traditional masonry, corbels are built into the wall from the surrounding material—stone, brick, or timber—and shaped to taper toward the wall. They can be simple rectangular blocks, curved consoles, or intricately carved figures, and may function as support or decoration.

Corbels are made in a variety of materials. Stone and timber corbels are common in historic buildings, while modern examples use cast iron, steel, or reinforced concrete. In classical architecture, corbels sometimes take the form of modillions—ornamentally grouped projections beneath a cornice. In many regions, corbels served as a visible expression of craftsmanship as well as structural support.

Historically, corbels appear in ancient civilizations and were widely developed through the medieval and Renaissance periods. They supported arches and ceilings and helped articulate the transition between wall plane and decorative cornices. In Gothic and Renaissance architecture, rows of corbels formed corbel tables that carried substantial loads while creating a decorative rhythm.

Today, corbels continue to be used for both structural purposes and decorative effects. Proper design, anchorage, and load considerations are essential, particularly when modern materials and construction methods are involved. Distinctions between corbels and brackets remain, with corbels traditionally incorporating the projection into the wall itself, whereas brackets are often separate elements attached to the wall.