What is the Corinthian order in classical architecture?

The Corinthian order is the most ornate of the three principal classical orders of Ancient Greek and Roman architecture, characterized by its elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. It is the last of the three main classical orders to be developed, following the Doric and Ionic orders.

What are the three principal classical orders of architecture, in chronological order of development?

The three principal classical orders of architecture, in chronological order of development, are the Doric order (earliest), followed by the Ionic order, and then the Corinthian order.

How does the Corinthian capital typically appear?

A Corinthian capital is characterized by two rows of stylized acanthus leaves, with smaller volutes (helices) scrolling inwards at the corners and meeting in the center on each side. A flat abacus sits atop the capital, usually featuring a rosette on each face that projects slightly over the leaves.

What are the key decorative elements found on a Corinthian capital?

The primary decorative elements of a Corinthian capital are stylized acanthus leaves and scrolls, often referred to as helices. Smaller volutes also appear at the corners, and a rosette or flower motif is typically found on each face of the abacus.

What is the origin of the name "Corinthian order"?

The name "Corinthian order" is derived from the ancient Greek city of Corinth, although historical accounts suggest the order may have been invented in Athens.

According to the architectural historian Vitruvius, who is credited with inventing the Corinthian column, and what inspired its design?

According to Vitruvius, the Corinthian column was invented by the sculptor Callimachus, who was inspired by a votive basket left on a young girl's grave. Acanthus leaves had grown around the basket, and a tile placed on top protected them, leading to the design of the capital.

When can the earliest use of the Corinthian order be traced back to in Greek architecture?

The earliest use of the Corinthian order can be traced back to the Late Classical Period in Greece, specifically around 420 BC, with fragments found at Bassae.

Where was the earliest known example of a Corinthian column found, and what was its context?

The oldest known example of a Corinthian column was found at the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae in Arcadia, dating to around 450-420 BC. It was used inside the cella, distinct from the temple's main Doric and Ionic orders.

What architectural problem did the Corinthian order potentially solve for Greek architects?

The Corinthian order may have been devised to solve the awkwardness the Ionic capital created at corners, where its distinct front and side-on faces were difficult to integrate smoothly.

What is the "Tower of the Winds Corinthian"?

The "Tower of the Winds Corinthian" refers to a simplified late version of the Greek Corinthian capital, named after its use on the porches of the Tower of the Winds in Athens (circa 50 BC). It features a single row of acanthus leaves at the bottom with tall, narrow leaves behind.

How did the Corinthian order develop in Roman architecture?

In Roman architecture, the Corinthian order developed its own distinct models, following precedents set by structures like the Temple of Mars Ultor in the Forum of Augustus. It became widely used in various Roman buildings across the empire.

What are some notable Roman examples where the Corinthian order was employed?

Notable Roman examples of the Corinthian order include the Temple of Mars Ultor, the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, the Pantheon in Rome, the Basilica Ulpia, the Arch of Trajan at Ancona, the Column of Phocas, and the Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek.

What is a defining characteristic of the Roman Corinthian order in terms of its proportions?

A defining characteristic of the Roman Corinthian order is its coherent integration of dimensions and ratios, often noted by scholars like Mark Wilson Jones. The ratio of total column height to column-shaft height is frequently 6:5, and the full column height is often a multiple of Roman feet.

How does the height-to-width ratio of a Corinthian column compare to other orders, such as in the Colosseum?

In structures like the Roman Colosseum, Corinthian columns were the slenderest, with a height-to-width ratio of about 10:1, reflecting their placement on the topmost tier where they bore the least weight.

What is the "Tivoli order" as a variant of the Corinthian?

The Tivoli order is a variant of the Corinthian capital found at the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli. Its capital features two rows of acanthus leaves, oversized fleurons (like hibiscus flowers) on the abacus, and flutes squared at the top.

What are Indo-Corinthian capitals, and where are they typically found?

Indo-Corinthian capitals are found in the northwestern Indian subcontinent and combine Hellenistic and Indian artistic elements. They often crown columns or pilasters and are dated to the first centuries AD, forming part of Greco-Buddhist art.

How were Indo-Corinthian capitals adapted for Buddhist contexts?

Indo-Corinthian capitals were adapted for Buddhist contexts by often taking a more elongated form, incorporating scrolls, and sometimes featuring figures of the Buddha or Bodhisattvas within the decorative foliage.

Did the use of vegetal decoration in capitals cease with the decline of classical architecture?

No, vegetal decoration in capitals continued to be common in Byzantine architecture and various medieval European styles, such as Carolingian, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture, though the term "Corinthian" is usually reserved for classical versions.

How did Renaissance architects approach the Corinthian order?

During the Italian Renaissance, architects like Francesco di Giorgio explored human analogies with the Corinthian capital, overlaying drawings of capitals with human heads to illustrate proportional relationships. The order was revived and studied, with treatises by figures like Serlio and Vignola helping to standardize its details.

What is the typical structure of a Corinthian architrave, frieze, and cornice in Renaissance and later interpretations?

The Corinthian architrave is often divided into two or three sections. The frieze can be richly carved or plain, and the cornice mouldings are typically similar to those of the Ionic order. Deep cornices might be supported by ornamental brackets called modillions.

How were Corinthian columns often enriched in terms of their fluting?

Corinthian columns are almost always fluted, and these flutes could be enriched. They might be filleted with rods nestled in the hollows, or stop-fluted where the rods rise about a third of the way up the shaft.

What metaphorical association did Renaissance writers often make with the Corinthian column?

Elaborating on Vitruvius's account, Renaissance writers often associated the Corinthian column with the slender figure of a young girl, emphasizing its delicacy and grace.

How did the superposition of orders typically occur in Roman architecture, such as the Colosseum?

When orders were superposed, as seen in the Colosseum, the natural progression was from the sturdiest and plainest (Doric) at the bottom to the slenderest and richest (Corinthian) at the top. The Colosseum's topmost tier featured an order later known as the Composite.

What is the Composite order, and how does it relate to the Corinthian?

The Composite order, recognized in the 16th century, is considered a grand imperial variant of the Corinthian. It combines the volutes of the Ionic order with the acanthus foliage of the Corinthian order.

How was the Corinthian capital treated in Romanesque and Gothic architecture?

In Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the Corinthian capital was retained but often treated with considerable freedom. It could be severely plain, as in Cistercian architecture, or subjected to numerous fanciful variations, sometimes within the same building.

Who were some key figures in standardizing the details of the classical orders, including the Corinthian, through architectural treatises in the 16th century?

Key figures who helped standardize the details of the classical orders through architectural treatises in the 16th century included Sebastiano Serlio, Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola (with his *Regola delli cinque ordini*), and Andrea Palladio (with *I quattro libri dell'architettura*). Vincenzo Scamozzi also contributed significantly.

What is the significance of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens regarding the Corinthian order?

The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, erected around 334 BC, is documented as the first use of the Corinthian order on the exterior of a structure.

What theory explains the presence of a Corinthian capital found buried in the foundations of the tholos at Epidaurus?

The presence of a Corinthian capital found buried at the tholos at Epidaurus has been explained as a sculptor's model for stonemasons, possibly created by Polykleitos the Younger, who was credited with the building's design.

How did the abacus of a Corinthian capital evolve from Greek to later practices?

The abacus of a Greek Corinthian capital has concave sides that meet at a sharp keel edge, which was easily damaged. In later and post-Renaissance practices, this sharp edge was generally replaced by a canted corner.

What did Claude Perrault illustrate in his 1684 translation of Vitruvius regarding the Corinthian order?

In his 1684 translation of Vitruvius, Claude Perrault incorporated an illustration epitomizing the Callimachus tale of the Corinthian order's origin and demonstrated how the proportions of the carved capital could be adjusted without compromising the design.

What is the typical relationship between the Corinthian capital and the column shaft in terms of a neck molding?

Unlike the Doric and Ionic capitals, a Corinthian capital typically has no neck beneath it. Instead, it features a ring-like astragal molding or a banding that forms the base of the capital, recalling the base of the legendary basket.

What are some notable examples of the Corinthian order in France?

Notable examples of the Corinthian order in France include the Maison Carrée in Nîmes and the July Column in Paris.

Which famous Roman building features Corinthian columns on its topmost tier?

The Roman Colosseum features Corinthian columns on its topmost tier.

What are some notable examples of the Corinthian order in Italy?

Notable examples of the Corinthian order in Italy include the Pantheon in Rome, the Temple of Mars Ultor, and the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli.

Where can the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a significant example of the Corinthian order, be found?

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, featuring Corinthian columns, is located in Athens, Greece.

What is the significance of the Maison Carrée in Nîmes regarding the Corinthian order?

The Maison Carrée in Nîmes is cited as a prime example of the Roman Corinthian order, showcasing its style in southern Gaul. Nicolas Poussin famously compared its beauty to that of beautiful girls.

How did the Corinthian order influence architecture in the Indian subcontinent?

The Corinthian order influenced architecture in the Indian subcontinent through Indo-Corinthian capitals, which blended Hellenistic and Indian elements, particularly in the art of Gandhara.

What are some examples of the Corinthian order's use in Byzantine and medieval European architecture?

While not strictly "Corinthian," vegetal decoration in capitals continued in Byzantine architecture and medieval styles like Carolingian, Romanesque, and Gothic. Examples include capitals in the chapter house at Southwell Minster.

How did Vincenzo Scamozzi contribute to the understanding and standardization of the Corinthian order?

Vincenzo Scamozzi, through his treatise *L'idea dell'architettura universale*, contributed to the standardization of the Corinthian order's details, offering refined engraved models that influenced later architectural practices. He also proposed a solution to the corner problem of Ionic capitals.

What is the characteristic of the Corinthian capital at the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli?

The Corinthian capital at the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, known as the Tivoli order, features two rows of acanthus leaves, oversized fleurons (like hibiscus flowers) on the abacus, and flutes that are squared at the top.

What specific decorative elements are mentioned in relation to the frieze of the Tivoli order?

The frieze of the Tivoli order exhibits fruit festoons suspended between bucrania, with a rosette above each festoon.

How did Renaissance theorists like Francesco di Giorgio relate the Corinthian capital to human proportions?

Francesco di Giorgio created squared drawings that overlaid human heads onto Corinthian capitals, illustrating the proportional similarities he perceived between the architectural element and the human form.

What did Sir William Chambers say about the proportional relationship between Corinthian and Doric columns?

Sir William Chambers stated that the ancients designed the Corinthian column to represent the delicacy of a young girl, making it slender and less tall than the Doric column, which represented the bulk and vigor of a muscular man.

What is the earliest documented use of the Corinthian order on the exterior of a structure?

The first documented use of the Corinthian order on the exterior of a structure was the circular Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, erected around 334 BC.

What is the significance of the Corinthian capital from the tholos at Epidaurus?

The Corinthian capital from the tholos at Epidaurus is significant because its enigmatic presence and preservation suggest it may have served as a sculptor's model for stonemasons, influencing later Hellenistic and Roman designs.

What are "gorgoneia" and where are they found on Corinthian capitals in the Colosseum?

Gorgoneia are representations of Gorgons, often depicted as monstrous female faces with snakes for hair. In the Colosseum, Roman Corinthian capitals feature these gorgoneia.

What stylistic period is represented by the columns of the Petit Trianon in Versailles?

The columns of the Petit Trianon in Versailles, designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, represent the Neoclassical style.

What architectural style is exemplified by the columns of the Palais Garnier in Paris, designed by Charles Garnier?

The columns on the facade of the Palais Garnier in Paris exemplify the Beaux-Arts architectural style.

What is notable about the Corinthian capitals in the Austrian Parliament Building in Vienna?

The Corinthian columns in the Austrian Parliament Building, designed by Theophil von Hansen, are notable for their Greek Revival style, inspired by the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.

How did Postmodern architecture reinterpret the Corinthian order, as seen in the Piazza d'Italia?

In Postmodern architecture, as seen in the Piazza d'Italia by Charles Moore, the Corinthian order was reinterpreted with vibrant colors and sometimes exaggerated or playful elements, such as neon capitals.

What is the characteristic of the Corinthian capital at the South Bay Galleria?

The South Bay Galleria features a Postmodern interpretation of the Corinthian capital that includes neon lighting.

Corinthian Order Wiki: The Corinthian Order: Pinnacle of Classical Architectural Expression

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Definition

The Pinnacle of Classical Orders

The Corinthian order represents the final and most elaborate of the three principal classical orders of Ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It is distinguished by its ornate capital, characterized by stylized acanthus leaves and small volutes, which evolved from the Ionic order.

Historical Context

Developed later than the Doric and Ionic orders, the Corinthian style achieved prominence during the Roman period. Its distinctive aesthetic made it a favored choice for imperial structures and later architectural revivals, including Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Defining Features

The hallmark of the Corinthian order is its intricately carved capital. It typically features two rows of acanthus leaves, with smaller volutes (helices) scrolling outwards from the corners above, supporting a concave-sided abacus, often adorned with a central rosette.

Detailed Description

The Acanthus Capital

The Corinthian capital is its most defining element. It is adorned with two rows of eight stylized acanthus leaves, from which small volutes (cauliculi) emerge. These elements support the abacus, a flat slab with concave sides, typically featuring a rosette on each face.

Proportions and Variations

Roman architects refined the Corinthian order, often employing more slender columns with a height-to-width ratio of approximately 10:1. Variations exist, such as the Tivoli order, which features oversized fleurons and squared flutes, demonstrating the order's adaptability.

Column Shaft and Entablature

Corinthian columns are almost invariably fluted, often with fillets (narrow flat bands) separating the flutes. The entablature typically includes a three-part architrave, a frieze (which can be plain or decorated), and a cornice, which may be supported by modillions.

Historical Evolution

Greek Origins

While named after the city of Corinth, the order's invention is often attributed to the Athenian sculptor Callimachus. Its earliest known use dates to the Late Classical Period (c. 430–323 BC), initially appearing in interiors before its exterior use at the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens (c. 334 BC).

Roman Adoption and Refinement

The Romans embraced the Corinthian order, employing it extensively in monumental structures like temples and arches. Notable Roman examples, such as the Temple of Mars Ultor and the Pantheon, established precedents for its use and contributed to its widespread adoption across the empire.

Temple of Mars Ultor, Rome (c. 2 BC)
Maison Carrée, Nîmes, France (1st century AD)
Temple of Bacchus, Baalbek, Lebanon (c. 150 AD)
Pantheon, Rome (c. 114–124 AD)

Medieval to Modern

The Corinthian order persisted through Byzantine and medieval architecture, often reinterpreted with local motifs. It experienced a significant revival during the Renaissance, becoming a cornerstone of architectural theory and practice, further elaborated in Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

Notable Examples

Ancient Greek

The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens (c. 334 BC) is a seminal example of the Corinthian order's exterior application. Early Greek capitals were also found at the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae.

Roman Masterpieces

Iconic Roman structures like the Pantheon in Rome and the Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek showcase the grandeur and complexity of the Roman interpretation of the Corinthian order.

Renaissance and Beyond

Architects like Leon Battista Alberti and Andrea Palladio integrated the Corinthian order into Renaissance designs. Later, Baroque and Neoclassical movements continued to utilize and adapt its ornate vocabulary, as seen in structures like the Palace of Versailles and the US Capitol.

Architectural Showcase

Reconstructed Capital

A reconstructed Corinthian capital, showcasing original colors, exemplifies the detailed craftsmanship associated with this order.

Temple of Apollo at Bassae

Illustrations depict ancient Greek Corinthian columns from the Temple of Apollo at Bassae, highlighting early examples of the order.

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens features an early and influential example of the ancient Greek Corinthian order.

Temple of Vesta, Tivoli

The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli presents a Roman Corinthian capital with unique features, including oversized fleurons and squared flutes.

Colosseum, Rome

The upper tiers of the Roman Colosseum utilize Corinthian columns, demonstrating their application in large-scale imperial architecture.

United States Capitol

The U.S. Capitol building features Neoclassical Corinthian columns, reflecting the order's enduring appeal in governmental and civic structures.

Related Concepts

Classical Orders

The Corinthian order is one of the five classical orders, alongside Doric, Ionic, Tuscan, and Composite. Each order possesses distinct characteristics in column design and entablature.

Architectural Elements

Understanding terms like 'capital', 'abacus', 'volute', 'acanthus leaf', 'fluting', 'entablature', and 'modillion' is crucial for appreciating the Corinthian order's complexity.

Global Influence

The Corinthian order's influence extends beyond Europe, appearing in Greco-Buddhist art in Gandhara and inspiring architectural designs worldwide.

Scholarly Notes

Vitruvian Origins

The Roman architect Vitruvius attributed the invention of the Corinthian capital to Callimachus, inspired by a votive basket entwined with acanthus leaves.

Renaissance Analogies

Renaissance theorists like Francesco di Giorgio drew parallels between the proportions of the Corinthian capital and the human form, often illustrating this with overlaid drawings.

Standardization

Treatises by architects such as Sebastiano Serlio and Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola in the 16th century helped standardize the Corinthian order's details, influencing its consistent application across subsequent architectural periods.

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References

Mark Wilson Jones, "Designing the Roman Corinthian order", Journal of Roman Archaeology 2:35-69 (1989).

Quoted by Sir Kenneth Clark, The Nude: A Study in Ideal Form, 1956, p. 45.

Chambers, A Treatise on the Decorative Part of Civil Architecture (Joseph Gwilt ed, 1825:pp 159â61).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Corinthian order Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This document has been meticulously crafted by an AI, drawing upon established academic sources to provide an in-depth analysis of the Corinthian order. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to scholarly standards, it is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

This is not professional architectural advice. The content presented here is not a substitute for consultation with qualified architectural historians or practicing architects. Always refer to primary sources and expert analysis for critical design or historical research.

The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this material.

The Corinthian Order

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Definition ℹ️

🏛️ The Pinnacle of Classical Orders

📜 Historical Context

✨ Defining Features

Detailed Description ✍️

🌿 The Acanthus Capital

⚖️ Proportions and Variations

🏛️ Column Shaft and Entablature

Historical Evolution ⏳

🇬🇷 Greek Origins

👑 Roman Adoption and Refinement

🌍 Medieval to Modern

Notable Examples 📍

🏛️ Ancient Greek

🏛️ Roman Masterpieces

🏛️ Renaissance and Beyond

Architectural Showcase 🖼️

🏛️ Reconstructed Capital

🏛️ Temple of Apollo at Bassae

🏛️ Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

🏛️ Temple of Vesta, Tivoli

🏛️ Colosseum, Rome

🏛️ United States Capitol

Related Concepts 🔗

📏 Classical Orders

🏗️ Architectural Elements

🌍 Global Influence

Scholarly Notes 📝

💡 Vitruvian Origins

🎨 Renaissance Analogies

🔄 Standardization

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Definition

The Pinnacle of Classical Orders

Historical Context

Defining Features

Detailed Description

The Acanthus Capital

Proportions and Variations

Column Shaft and Entablature

Historical Evolution

Greek Origins

Roman Adoption and Refinement

Medieval to Modern

Notable Examples

Ancient Greek

Roman Masterpieces

Renaissance and Beyond

Architectural Showcase

Reconstructed Capital

Temple of Apollo at Bassae

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

Temple of Vesta, Tivoli

Colosseum, Rome

United States Capitol

Related Concepts

Classical Orders

Architectural Elements

Global Influence

Scholarly Notes

Vitruvian Origins

Renaissance Analogies

Standardization

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice