History

• Highly stylized corbels were a popular part of Medieval buildings. These early corbels were made from stone.
  
  

Function

• A corbel is a necessary part of building construction when hanging a heavy weight. Large ledges sometimes need corbels to support their weight.
  
  

Types

• Corbels are sometimes used indoors to support indoor balconies or jutting countertops. These may be made of stone or carved from wood.
  
  

Identification

• Normal corbels are known for their simple designs. They often depict animals such as rams and rabbits. French and Italian corbels were known for their more elaborate designs and larger sizes.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Corbel derives from "corbellus," a term relating to the Latin word "corvus," which means "raven." The modern word for corbel in French is "corbeau," which means "crow."