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Caryatides are a blending of architecture and sculpture, but they are not of frequent occurrence. These Caryatides are human figures which serve as supports instead of a column, and a similar purpose is answered by male figures, which are technically called Atlantes.

Profile of the Caryatis with Pedestal and Entablature

Caryatides are a blending of architecture and sculpture, but they are not of frequent occurrence. These…

The Doric columns, which are short, powerful, and closely ranged together, in order to support the weight of the massive entablature, consist of the shaft and the capital, and rest immediately without base on the upper step, which serves as the ground-floor, or stereobate of the temple.

Doric Column from the Temple of Neptune at Paestum

The Doric columns, which are short, powerful, and closely ranged together, in order to support the weight…

The frieze of the Doric order is not taken up with sculpture in uninterrupted succession, but it occurs in groups at regular intervals, separated by features called triglyphs (a). The spaces formed between the triglyphs are called metopes (b).

Doric Order Frieze in the Parthenon at Athens

The frieze of the Doric order is not taken up with sculpture in uninterrupted succession, but it occurs…

The Ionic order was indebted for its earlier development to western Asiatic influence, notably to that of Persepolis; but its maturer beauties are to be attributed to a Doric source. Its main features are the same as in the Doric style; their forms, however, are different. The Ionic order has more mouldings, its forms are richer and more elegant, and, as a style, it is lighter and more graceful than the Doric.

Ionic Pillar in the Erechtheum at Athens

The Ionic order was indebted for its earlier development to western Asiatic influence, notably to that…

The Ionic column has a less diminished shaft and a smaller parabolic curve than the Doric. It is, like the Doric, channeled; the flutings, which are 24 in number, are separated by annulets, and are therefore narrower, but at the same time deeper, than the Doric, and are terminated at the top and bottom by the final curvature.

Fluting Plan of the Ionic and Corinthian Column

The Ionic column has a less diminished shaft and a smaller parabolic curve than the Doric. It is, like…

The so-called Attic base is the form which most frequently occurs; and consists of two tori separated by a cavetto, the whole having a plinth as basis; the upper torus being less high and projecting than the lower.

Attic Base in the Temple of Minerva Polias

The so-called Attic base is the form which most frequently occurs; and consists of two tori separated…

In the capital the Doric echinus is replaced either by a cyma ornamented with leaves, or, more generally, by an ovolo with a pearl-beading beneath. Instead of the Doric abacus there occurs a cushion-like band in its place, whose ends wound in a spiral shape and coiled with elastic force, when viewed either from in front or behind, formed volutes, which on both sides considerably exceed the diameter of the column, and also surpass the architrave in breadth.

Ionic Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Priene

In the capital the Doric echinus is replaced either by a cyma ornamented with leaves, or, more generally,…

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy line over the echinus. The intervals of the spiral coils are slightly hollowed, in order to bring them into more relief, and in this way the so-called channel is formed, which is continued in the horizontal portion which connects the volutes.

Side View of the Ionic Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Priene

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy…

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy line over the echinus. The intervals of the spiral coils are slightly hollowed, in order to bring them into more relief, and in this way the so-called channel is formed, which is continued in the horizontal portion which connects the volutes.

Section of a Volute of an Ionic Capital

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy…

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy line over the echinus. The intervals of the spiral coils are slightly hollowed, in order to bring them into more relief, and in this way the so-called channel is formed, which is continued in the horizontal portion which connects the volutes.

Top View of the Ionic Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Priene

These volutes, or scrolls, when viewed from the side, appear to meet in the middle, and form a wavy…

In the capital the Doric echinus is replaced either by a cyma ornamented with leaves, or, more generally, by an ovolo with a pearl-beading beneath. Instead of the Doric abacus there occurs a cushion-like band in its place, whose ends wound in a spiral shape and coiled with elastic force, when viewed either from in front or behind, formed volutes, which on both sides considerably exceed the diameter of the column, and also surpass the architrave in breadth. This specific one differs from the normal shape.

Ionic Capital from the Temple of Apollo at Basse

In the capital the Doric echinus is replaced either by a cyma ornamented with leaves, or, more generally,…

The good effect of the Ionic capital is really only produced by the front-view. It seems calculated to be introduced between pillars and antæ, and not in a disconnected peristyle with with angle columns. In angle columns, however, the volutes are sometimes constructed in such a way that they meet at both sides diagonally.

Ionic Angle Column from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens, Front

The good effect of the Ionic capital is really only produced by the front-view. It seems calculated…

The good effect of the Ionic capital is really only produced by the front-view. It seems calculated to be introduced between pillars and antæ, and not in a disconnected peristyle with with angle columns. In angle columns, however, the volutes are sometimes constructed in such a way that they meet at both sides diagonally.

Ionic Angle Column from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens, Side

The good effect of the Ionic capital is really only produced by the front-view. It seems calculated…

The capital of the antæ and pilasters is without volutes, as is seen here. The shaft has no flutings; the base, on the other hand, is the same as in the columns, and is continued round the walls as a plinth.

Plan of Ionic Antæ Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens

The capital of the antæ and pilasters is without volutes, as is seen here. The shaft has no flutings;…

The capital of the antæ and pilasters is without volutes, as is seen here. The shaft has no flutings; the base, on the other hand, is the same as in the columns, and is continued round the walls as a plinth.

Ionic Antæ Capital from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens

The capital of the antæ and pilasters is without volutes, as is seen here. The shaft has no flutings;…

The entablature resting on the columns has three parts: a plain architrave divided into two, or more generally three, bands, with a frieze resting on it that may be richly sculptural, and a cornice built up with dentils, with a corona and cyma molding to support the projecting roof.

Ionic Cornice from the Temple of Minerva Polias at Priene

The entablature resting on the columns has three parts: a plain architrave divided into two, or more…

The structural tendency which prevails in the capitals of all orders to change from the circular form of the shaft into the square is modified in the Ionic by the voluted nature of the capital, and in the Corinthian by representations of vegetable life.

Corinthian Capital

The structural tendency which prevails in the capitals of all orders to change from the circular form…

The Corinthian cornice is only distinguished from the Ionic by its mutules and modillions, which take the place of the dentels in the latter style. They are fewer in number, but richer and more ornamented, as well as more projecting.

Corinthian Cornice

The Corinthian cornice is only distinguished from the Ionic by its mutules and modillions, which take…

The acanthus is one of the most common ornaments used to depict foliage.

Acanthus Leaf, Front and Side Views

The acanthus is one of the most common ornaments used to depict foliage.

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae. It is supposed to represent the piece of timber through which the wooden pegs were driven in order to hold the rafter in position, and it follows the sloping rake of the roof. In the Roman Doric order the mutule was horizontal, with sometimes a crowning fillet, so that it virtually fulfilled the purpose of the modillion in the Corinthian cornice.

Mutule, Side View

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae.…

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae. It is supposed to represent the piece of timber through which the wooden pegs were driven in order to hold the rafter in position, and it follows the sloping rake of the roof. In the Roman Doric order the mutule was horizontal, with sometimes a crowning fillet, so that it virtually fulfilled the purpose of the modillion in the Corinthian cornice.

Mutule, Front View

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae.…

Ante-fixae, the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan, or Greek temple, as spaced they take the place of the cymatium and form a cresting along the sides of the temple. The face of the ante-fixae was richly carved with the anthemion ornament.

Ante-fixae

Ante-fixae, the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan,…

Ante-fixae (from Latin antefigere, to fasten before), the vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan, or Greek temple; as spaced they take the place of the cymatium and form a cresting along the sides of the temple. The face of the ante-fixae was richly carved with the anthemion ornament.

Ante-fixae

Ante-fixae (from Latin antefigere, to fasten before), the vertical blocks which terminate the covering…

Egg-and-dart is an ornamental device often carved in wood, stone, or plaster quarter-round ovolo mouldings, consisting of an egg-shaped object alternating with an element shaped like an arrow, anchor or dart. Egg-and-dart enrichment of the ovolo molding of the Ionic capital is found in Ancient Greek architecture at the Erechtheion and was used by the Romans.

Egg-and-Dart

Egg-and-dart is an ornamental device often carved in wood, stone, or plaster quarter-round ovolo mouldings,…

An astragal is molding profile composed of a half round surface surrounded by two flat planes (fillets). An astragal is sometimes referred to as a miniature torus. It can be an architectural element used at the top or base of a column, but is also employed as a framing device on furniture and woodwork.

Double Twist on an Astragal

An astragal is molding profile composed of a half round surface surrounded by two flat planes (fillets).…

The theatres were originally built on a very large scale to accommodate the large number of people on stage, as well as the large number of people in the audience, up to fourteen thousand. Mathematics played a large role in the construction of these theatres, as their designers had to able to create acoustics in them such that the actors' voices could be heard throughout the theatre, including the very top row of seats.

Ground Plan of the Theatre at Iassus

The theatres were originally built on a very large scale to accommodate the large number of people on…

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the south slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It was originally a steep-sloped amphitheater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof, and was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000.

Ground Plan of the Theatre of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the south slope of the Acropolis…

Of a less ambitious class were those monuments erected in honor of the victorious choragus in musical competitions. In these structures the tripod, as the reward of victory, was borne in mind. An instance of this style of building is preserved to us in the choragic monument of Lysicrates.

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

Of a less ambitious class were those monuments erected in honor of the victorious choragus in musical…

Of a less ambitious class were those monuments erected in honor of the victorious choragus in musical competitions. In these structures the tripod, as the reward of victory, was borne in mind. An instance of this style of building is preserved to us in the choragic monument of Lysicrates.

Finial of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

Of a less ambitious class were those monuments erected in honor of the victorious choragus in musical…

Belonging to the time directly after Pericles is the Erechtheum. This is a double temple in the Ionic style, dedicated to Minerva Polias, and is situated on the Acropolis. It has a hexastyle Ionic prostyle. A low building adjoins it, behind which is the shrine of the Nymph Pandrosos.

Erechtheum with the Pandrosium

Belonging to the time directly after Pericles is the Erechtheum. This is a double temple in the Ionic…

The Leaf Cup is a corona of a Greek Stele design.

Leaf Cup

The Leaf Cup is a corona of a Greek Stele design.

The Greek Leaf has pointed leaf-edges.

Greek Leaf

The Greek Leaf has pointed leaf-edges.

Fragment of a Greek relief.

Fragment of a Greek Relief

Fragment of a Greek relief.

The Laural branches design was used on Greek vases and in conventional painting.

Laurel Branches

The Laural branches design was used on Greek vases and in conventional painting.

The Laural branches design was used on Greek vases and in conventional painting.

Laurel Branches

The Laural branches design was used on Greek vases and in conventional painting.

This is a decoration of the neck of a Greek Hydria.

Greek Hydria

This is a decoration of the neck of a Greek Hydria.

The Greek Griffin is associated with Antiquity and fire, usually appears on Candelabras and friezes. The Griffin has the body of a Lion and the head and wings of an Eagle.

Greek Griffin

The Greek Griffin is associated with Antiquity and fire, usually appears on Candelabras and friezes.…

The Bacchus Mask (Greek God of wine) is a Graeco Italic style. It is a fragment of a vessel or utensil.

Bacchus Mask

The Bacchus Mask (Greek God of wine) is a Graeco Italic style. It is a fragment of a vessel or utensil.

The Satyr Mask (Greek Mythological character) was designed during the Italian Renaissance by Sansovino, is placed over a Festoon (wreath) in St. Maria del Popolo, a church in Rome, Italy.

Satyr Mask

The Satyr Mask (Greek Mythological character) was designed during the Italian Renaissance by Sansovino,…

The Minerva head is a design on the Greek Goddess Athena. This design frequently occurred on medallions.

Minerva Head

The Minerva head is a design on the Greek Goddess Athena. This design frequently occurred on medallions.

This Right Minerva head is the modern version design of the Greek Goddess Athena. This design frequently occurred on medallions.

Right Minerva Head

This Right Minerva head is the modern version design of the Greek Goddess Athena. This design frequently…

The double pattern fret band is a Greek design. It is the same pattern that is doubled in the band.

Double Pattern Fret Band

The double pattern fret band is a Greek design. It is the same pattern that is doubled in the band.

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

Ordinary Intersecting Fret Band

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

Ordinary Intersecting Fret Band

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

Ordinary Intersecting Fret Band

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

Ordinary Intersecting Fret Band

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

Ordinary Intersecting Fret Band

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

Ordinary Intersecting Fret Band

The ordinary intersecting fret band is a pattern that crosses each other, found on Greek vase paintings.

The Greek hydria rosette band is a design of the neck of a Greek hydria flower.

Greek Hydria Rosette Band

The Greek hydria rosette band is a design of the neck of a Greek hydria flower.

The leaf enrichment moulding is a design found in Erechtheum, Athens an ancient Greek Temple.

Leaf Enrichment Moulding

The leaf enrichment moulding is a design found in Erechtheum, Athens an ancient Greek Temple.

The Greek egg-and-tongue moulding is an egg pattern.

Greek Egg-and-Tongue Moulding

The Greek egg-and-tongue moulding is an egg pattern.

The external margin link border is found on the outside of a Greek kylix or wine-drinking cup. It is a scroll design of leaves connected like a chain.

External Margin Link Border

The external margin link border is found on the outside of a Greek kylix or wine-drinking cup. It is…

The Greek hydria link border is a design found on the outside of a Greek pottery used for carrying water. It is a scroll design of leaves connected like a chain.

Greek Hydria Link Border

The Greek hydria link border is a design found on the outside of a Greek pottery used for carrying water.…

The Greek Cyma Link Border is a design found between the ceiling and the wall. It is a scroll design of leaves connected like a chain.

Greek Cyma Link Border

The Greek Cyma Link Border is a design found between the ceiling and the wall. It is a scroll design…

The Greek akroter serves as an ornamental finish to the apex of a gable. It is painted in the temple of Wingless Victory in Athens, Greece.

Greek Akroter

The Greek akroter serves as an ornamental finish to the apex of a gable. It is painted in the temple…

This Greek akroter is painted in Acropolis, Athens. It serves as the ornamental finish to the apex of a gable.

Greek Akroter

This Greek akroter is painted in Acropolis, Athens. It serves as the ornamental finish to the apex of…

The Greek antefix is found in the lower roof line, in front of the imbrices (overlapping roof tiles). Its located in the Pathenon, Athens.

Greek Antefix

The Greek antefix is found in the lower roof line, in front of the imbrices (overlapping roof tiles).…

The Greek Sepulchral stele-crest is a form of an akroter. This design is an ornamental finish to the apex of a gable.

Greek Sepulchral Stele-Crest

The Greek Sepulchral stele-crest is a form of an akroter. This design is an ornamental finish to the…

This Greek antefix is found in the propylaea which is the entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. This design is found on the lower roof line in front of the imbrices (overlapping roof tiles).

Greek Antefix

This Greek antefix is found in the propylaea which is the entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. This…

The Stele-crest is a Greek tomb-tone. It is an upright tablet that bears an inscription with decoration on the top.

Stele-Crest

The Stele-crest is a Greek tomb-tone. It is an upright tablet that bears an inscription with decoration…