Greek Architecture Flashcards
Simplest of all orders. It has no base; a fluted column and no ornaments on the capital
Doric Order
This is the most ornate of the classical orders; and the most slender in its proportions. The capital is shaped somewhat like a bell inverted; and is adorned with rows of acanthus leaves.
Corinthian Order
the name of a small moulding whose outline is a half-circle
astragal
A large astragal
torus
The name of a moulding whose outline is somewhat like the segment of an ellipse.
Echinus
a concave moulding whose profile is the arc of a circle or of an ellipse
cove
concave moulding whose outline is a cove. This moulding is generally used between two toruses at the base of the column
scotia
an S shaped curved surface that starts and ends horizontally
Cyma Recta
an inverted S shape. It starts and ends vertically
Cyma Reversa / Ogee
the term applied to the upper projecting part of a cornice; between the crowning moulding or cyma and the lower edge or soffit of the projection
corona
top part of a column made of a circle topped by a square
capital
The architrave is the lowest element of the entablature; and rests on top columns.
Architrave
A series of columns or piers spanned by arches.
Arcade
In the Doric Order; It is a square slab that sits on top of the column’s capital and supports the architrave or arch. ThIts function is to broaden the support provided by the column.
Abacus
A common base used for columns in classical architecture; the Attic base is made up of an upper and lower torus; separated by a scotia with fillets.
Attic Base
A convex moulding; usually semi-circular.
Bead
A component of the cornice that has a vertical face and horizontal soffit.
Corona
A moulding with a double curvature or sometimes; a wave moulding. Used as the uppermost element in a cornice.
Cyma
A small cyma. A cyma that is used as the crown moulding of an entablature.
Cymatium
Tooth-like blocks used in a close repeating pattern. These are used in some Doric Order buildings in place of mutules. It also appear on the bed moulding of Ionic; Corinthian and Composite orders.
Dentils
Decorative moulding. Used on columns in classical architecture; It sits below the abacus and above the necking
Echinus
In classical architecture; the uppermost elements supported by columns. Its components include: the architrave; the frieze and the cornice.
Entabulature
From the word “bowed;” entasis describes the subtle curve of a column.
Entasis
A flat horizontal surface. In classical architecture; these are often used in multiple bands; each projecting beyond the one below.
Fascia
Sitting below the cornice and above the architrave; it is the central element of the entablature.
Frieze
One of five orders of classical architecture; it is widely used in ancient Greece and later adopted by the Romans. It is characterized by volutes in the capital.
Ionic Order
It is a section beneath the capital and above the astragal
Necking
A convex moulding; among woodworkers it is referred to as a “quarter round.”
Ovolo
The lowest part of the base of a column or pedestal.
Plinth
a series of convex mouldings running parallel.
Reed
A concave moulding between two fillets.
Scotia
The portion of a column between the base and the capital.
Shaft
A fillet positioned directly above the architrave. Part of the entablature.
Tænia
A rectangular detail; representative of the beams used in post and beam construction. Also called metopes.
Triglyph
A spriral form which is a distinctive element of the capital of Ionic columns.
Volutes
