plinth

A plinth is a heavy base or platform that supports a statue, pedestal, column, or wall, elevating it above ground. In architecture, the plinth is the lowest, projecting course of a building’s base, often delineating the transition between ground and wall and protecting the structure from moisture. The term derives from Old French plinthe, from Latin plinthus, from Greek plinthos, meaning brick or tile.

In sculpture, a plinth is the pedestal on which a sculpture rests. It may be a separate block or an integral part of the base, plain or ornamented. Materials commonly used for plinths include stone such as marble or granite, as well as concrete, brick, or metal, chosen for durability and aesthetic effect. Sizes range from small bases for busts to large podiums for monumental works. A plinth serves to provide stability, distribute weight, and visually terminate the sculpture.

In modern architecture and interior design, plinths are used to raise furniture, fixtures, or display objects for visual prominence and to protect their bases from damp or abrasion. The concept also appears in classical architectural practice, where the plinth forms part of the base of a wall or column and helps to integrate the structure with the ground. Although often used interchangeably with pedestal, a plinth is typically the bottom portion of a base, emphasizing elevation and grounding rather than ornament alone.