DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4423#0175
132
THE COLUMNS.
the three examples here given all differ in the proportions and in the given elements of the
curves. The capitals of the Columns of each Portico are separate designs, carefully worked
out and executed; hut all the capitals of the Doric order agree hoth in the general idea and
in the methods of the laying down of the several parts.
THE IONIC CAPITAL.
The Ionic capital is more complex in its design than any other detail of Greek Archi-
tecture, and presents considerable difficulties in the recovery of the original methods of laying
down the curved lines, for, besides the several conic sections employed, which are all known
curves, we have to consider the spiral lines of the volutes, and in this case there is nothing
left in any ancient work to guide us to the method which was anciently employed in the
proportioning and in the tracing of these architectural spiral lines; but we possess within the
Acropolis of Athens three very perfect examples of the Ionic order, namely, the Ionic capitals in
the Vestibule of the Propylaea, and in the East and in the North Porticoes of the Erechtheium.
From these several examples we shall be able, I hope, to deduce inductively, both the
method of proportioning the volutes, and the manner which was employed in describing the
spiral curves, which are the distinctive features of the Ionic order.
The separate details of the Ionic capital are as simple as those in the Doric, but the
capital is rendered more elaborate as a design, by the greater variety of the curved lines and
surfaces of its component parts; it is enriched with sculptured ornaments and painting, and
is also frequently ornamented with metal spirals and gilding, as in the case of the capitals of
the Erechtheium.
To explain the several parts of the order, we may take as one of the best examples
the Ionic capital in the Vestibule of the Propylaea.
THE COLUMNS.
the three examples here given all differ in the proportions and in the given elements of the
curves. The capitals of the Columns of each Portico are separate designs, carefully worked
out and executed; hut all the capitals of the Doric order agree hoth in the general idea and
in the methods of the laying down of the several parts.
THE IONIC CAPITAL.
The Ionic capital is more complex in its design than any other detail of Greek Archi-
tecture, and presents considerable difficulties in the recovery of the original methods of laying
down the curved lines, for, besides the several conic sections employed, which are all known
curves, we have to consider the spiral lines of the volutes, and in this case there is nothing
left in any ancient work to guide us to the method which was anciently employed in the
proportioning and in the tracing of these architectural spiral lines; but we possess within the
Acropolis of Athens three very perfect examples of the Ionic order, namely, the Ionic capitals in
the Vestibule of the Propylaea, and in the East and in the North Porticoes of the Erechtheium.
From these several examples we shall be able, I hope, to deduce inductively, both the
method of proportioning the volutes, and the manner which was employed in describing the
spiral curves, which are the distinctive features of the Ionic order.
The separate details of the Ionic capital are as simple as those in the Doric, but the
capital is rendered more elaborate as a design, by the greater variety of the curved lines and
surfaces of its component parts; it is enriched with sculptured ornaments and painting, and
is also frequently ornamented with metal spirals and gilding, as in the case of the capitals of
the Erechtheium.
To explain the several parts of the order, we may take as one of the best examples
the Ionic capital in the Vestibule of the Propylaea.