Composite order

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Composite capital

The composite order is one of the five classic column orders . In the hierarchy of the column orders it takes the uppermost place above the Corinthian order . It is therefore also used in the multi-storey facade design for the top floor.

Building the composite order

The composite order is a pure column order without the formation of a special entablature and its structure follows the main features of the Corinthian order. The column base is usually formed as a composite base. The shaft and proportions follow the design patterns of the Corinthian order. The capital of the composite order is a combination of the volutes of the Ionic diagonal capital and the body of the Corinthian capital adorned with acanthus leaves .

Historical development

The composite order is a development of Roman architecture . Early capitals of the type are encountered as early as the 1st century BC. At the Great Palaestra in Pompeii . The tomb of Poblicius , erected around 40 AD in Cologne , also shows quite early composite capitals on the corner pilasters in the pseudo-architecture of its base . In Rome , the composite order can be demonstrated for the first time on the Arch of Titus , which was completed between 81 and 90 AD. From the Hadrianic period onwards it spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and - in competition with the Corinthian order - became a design element of the Roman Empire architecture.

The architects of the Renaissance developed them into an independent order. Since they paid special attention to proportions and proportions, they established so-called moduli based on Vitruvius , which describe the ratio of the lower diameter to the total height of the column. In the case of the composite order, this ratio (1:10 to 1:12) was the most stretched.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Building entry on composite order in the archaeological database Arachne
  2. Michael Pfanner : The Arch of Titus (= contributions to the development of Hellenistic and imperial sculpture and architecture. Volume 2). von Zabern, Mainz 1983, ISBN 3-8053-0563-X , p. 36f.

Web links

Commons : Composite order  - collection of images, videos and audio files