The Order
An Order consists of a vertical column and a horizontal entablature, while in some instances the column rests on a pedestal.
It is desirable before dealing with proportions to enumerate the various parts of which an order is composed.
The column consists of a shaft, base and capital.
The shaft is circular on plan and invariably tapered.
The base is composed of mouldings, which are circular on plan, and a rectangular block or plinth.
The capital is circular on plan, and in the Doric and Corinthian orders is divided from the shaft by a necking moulding. The capital is surmounted by a feature known as the abacus, which is rectangular on plan, but varies in detail in the different orders.
Columns may be isolated or engaged, that is, built into walls so that they form projections from the surface.
No. 153. Doric Order with Pedestal.
The pilaster is always engaged, and is rectangular on plan, but otherwise it has the same general features and proportions as the column.
The entablature is the superstructure supported by the columns. It consists of an architrave, which is the lowest part, a frieze, the intermediate part, and a series of projecting mouldings known as the cornice.
The pedestal, which occasionally forms a support for the columns, consists of a plinth, die and capping. The lower part or plinth is separated from the die by mouldings, and the capping is a projecting course of mouldings forming a simple cornice.
To sum up a simple classification, which may be termed the triology of the orders, will be found to assist the memory.
The Orders commonly employed are three—the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. (There are two others which are less used, and are really derived from the other three: they are the Tuscan, which is a form of debased Doric, and the Composite, which is made up of the Ionic and Corinthian).
The Order may be divided into three parts:
Pedestal, Column and Entablature.
These may again be sub-divided.
The Pedestal into Plinth, Die and Capping.
The Column into Base, Shaft and Capital.
The Entablature into Architrave, Frieze and Cornice.
The method of arriving at the proportions of the order is as follows. In this division the pedestal is not taken into account, but is reserved for later consideration.