An Abridgment of the Architecture of Vitruvius / Containing a System of the Whole Works of that Author

by Vitruvius Pollio

These Proportions of the Ionick Capital, are only for Pillars of 15 Foot, those that are greater require other, and generally the greater Proportions are required for the Pillars that are greater; and for this reason we have said, that the higher the Pillars are, the less Diminution they must have; so when the Pillars are above 15 Foot, we must add a 9th. part to the Diameter of the Pillar for to give the breadth to the Abacus; to which is never added more than an 18th. part to Pillars of 15 Foot.

The Architraves shall be laid upon the Pillars with Jettings equal to the Pedestals, in case they be not all of one size, but in form of Joint-Stools, to the end Symmetry may be observ'd.

The height ought to be different, according to the proportion of the height of the Pillar; for if the Pillar be from 12 to 15 Foot, we must allow the Architrave the height of half a Diameter of the bottom of the Pillar, if it be from 15 to 20, we must divide the height of the Pillar into 15 parts, to the end we may allow one to the Architrave; so if it be from 20 to 25, the height must be divided into 12 parts and an half, that the Architrave may have one; and so proportionably.

The Architrave ought to have at the bottom which lies upon the Capital, the same breadth that the top of the Pillar hath under the Capital.

The Jetting of the Cymatium of the Architrave ought to answer the bottom of the Pillar, the height of the Cymatium ought to be the 7th. part of the whole Architrave.

The rest being divided into 12 parts; three must be allowed to the first Face, four to the second, and five to that above, upon which is the Cymatium.

The Frise ought not to be so high as the Architrave by a 4th. part, unless something be carved there, for then that the Carving may be more graceful, the Frise ought to be bigger than the Architrave by a 4th. part.

Upon the Frise must be made a Cymatium of height the 7th. part of the Frise, with a Jetting equal to its height.

The Dentil which is upon the Cymatium, shall have the height of the Face of the middle of the Architrave, with a Jetting or Projecture equal to its height; the cutting of the Dentils ought to be so made, that the breadth of every Dentil may be the half of its height, and the Cavity of the cut which is between every Dentil may have two parts of three, which maketh the breadth of the Dentil.

The Cymatium which is upon the Dentil, must have the 3d. part of the height of the Dentil.