Classical Architecture and Decorative Motifs
- Order- A style of classical architecture. (3 basic Greek Orders)
- Pediment- The triangular space formed at the ends of a building when a gable roof is used.
- Column- A vertical support usually consisting of three parts: a base, a shaft, and a capital.
- Engaged Column- While most columns are free standing, an engaged column is partially built into a wall.
- Pilaster- A flat engaged column, usually projecting 1/4th of its width from the wall
- Architrave- The lowest horizontal support that rests on the capitals.
- Frieze- The middle horizontal support that rests on the capitals.
- Cornice- The highest horizontal support which forms the bottom of the Pediment.
DORIC
The first and oldest Greek Order. The Doric Order usually has the following features:
- The capital resembles a square board resting on a tire.
- Fluted baseless columns on which the flutes come to a point.
- Entasis: a bulge built into the middle of the column to make it look straight from a distance.
- Metopes (square relief carvings) alternating with Triglyphs (three vertical lines) on the Frieze
- The shaft rests on the floor (Stylobate) which is approached by a two step stereobate
IONIC
The second Greek Order which usually has the following features:
- The capital resembles a scroll.
- The space between the scrolls is decorated with eggs and darts.
- The column has a base under its shaft which has flutes separated by flat surfaces called fillets.
- Its frieze has no triglyphs and metopes; sometimes decorated with a band of relief carvings.
- Dentils: small square projections decorating the top edge of the architrave.
They look Iike the ends of small boards.
CORINTHIAN
The third and most elaborate Greek Order which usually has the following features:
- Bell-shaped capital decorated with three rows of acanthus leaves, with 8 leaves in each row.
- The column is usually the same as an Ionic column.
- The bottom of the cornice is often decorated with dentils.
Courtesy of "Study Sheets for Latin Cultural Drill Tapes," by Dr. B.F. Barcio, L.H.D.
Pompeiiana, Inc. Indianapolis, IN