Pennethorne, John; Robinson, John [Ill.]: The geometry and optics of ancient architecture: illustrated by examples from Thebes, Athens, and Rome (London [u.a.], 1878)

THE CIJBYES OF THE HOBIZONTAL LINES. 107

regulates all the details, and then the true lineal heights of the Architrave, of the Frieze,
and of the Cornice, with the subdivisions of each member, are determined by simple
trigonometrical calculations.

The forms of the mouldings and of the ornaments, the same as in the Columns, are
combinations of the several conic sections.

The Entablature is a perspective design, carefully calculated in all its details; the
mouldings and the ornaments are mathematically traced, and the lights and the shadows, as
well as the colours, are all perspectively studied in the finished design.

Thus both the Columns and the Entablatures are combined works of Art and of
Geometry, and the smallest detail bears the impression of the mathematical accuracy which was
bestowed alike upon every part of the design; or, to use the words of Plutarch, "every Architect
" strived to surpass the magnificence of the design by the elegance of the execution."

The same principles will, I believe, be found to apply to the Egyptian, as well as to the
Greek Entablatures; but in Egypt the parts were few, simple, and elementary.

1.

The facts above stated will be made clear and evident as we consider in detail in—
Part IV. The designing of the Columns, with their capitals, bases, ornaments, colouring, etc.
Part V. The perspective designing of the Entablatures, with the mouldings, ornaments,

colouring, etc.

THE END OF THE THIRD PART.