Four-Way Acanthus Scroll Panel

A square of pure baroque motion — four sprays of acanthus flung out from the centre like a pinwheel caught mid-turn. This deep-relief panel is built on four-fold symmetry: from a tiny beaded boss at the middle, four tapering stems shoot diagonally to the corners, each blossoming into a fan of curling, deeply undercut acanthus leaves. Smaller scrolls and tendrils fill the flanks so the negative background almost disappears under foliage. Carved in a soft honey-toned material, the light rakes across the leaf edges and shows off genuine depth rather than a flat engraving. It suits a cabinet-door centre, a coffered ceiling tile, a headboard inset, or simply a framed decorative plaque for a hallway or study. Because the composition is fully symmetrical it tiles and mirrors cleanly if you want a larger run of matching panels. CNC notes • Rough out with a larger end mill, then finish with a tapered ball-nose (2–3 mm) to reach into the undercut leaf curls. • The relief is deep, so plan several Z step-downs and hold the stock firmly — climb-cut the finishing pass for a smoother surface. • Best in a tight-grained hardwood (maple, cherry, lime) or a hard modelling board; softwoods will fuzz on the fine tendrils. • If 3D-printing instead, orient the carved face up and print at 0.12 mm, then prime and sand to lift the leaf highlights.