The Corinthian order in art, particularly architecture, refers to the most ornate and decorative of the three classic orders of ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It is characterized by its slender, fluted columns and its highly elaborate capitals.
Understanding the Corinthian Order
Originating in ancient Greece, though widely developed and embraced by the Romans, the Corinthian order embodies elegance and sophistication. While its name is derived from the ancient Greek city of Corinth, historical evidence suggests it was likely invented in Athens. It became a prominent feature in both secular and religious structures, showcasing advanced decorative artistry.
Key Characteristics of the Corinthian Order
The Corinthian order is instantly recognizable due to several distinctive features:
- Fluted Columns: The column shafts are typically slender and adorned with vertical grooves, known as flutes, which add to their perceived height and elegance.
- Elaborate Capitals: This is the most defining feature. Corinthian capitals are exquisitely decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. These botanical motifs often rise in two tiers around the bell-shaped core of the capital, culminating in volutes (scroll-like ornaments) that curl outwards and downwards.
- Base: Like the Ionic order, Corinthian columns rest on a molded base, which lifts the column shaft off the stylobate (the platform on which the columns stand).
- Entablature: The entablature above the capital is often richly decorated, featuring a frieze that might include carvings and a cornice with intricate moldings.
There are many variations in the design and execution of Corinthian capitals, with different interpretations of the acanthus leaves and the arrangement of scrolls emerging over centuries and across regions.
Historical Development and Influence
The Corinthian order emerged later than the Doric and Ionic orders, around the mid-5th century BCE in Greece. Its more decorative nature appealed strongly to the Romans, who adopted and frequently adapted it, making it their favorite order.
- Early Greek Examples: One of the earliest known examples is in the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (c. 450-425 BCE), where a single Corinthian column stands within a cella adorned with Ionic columns.
- Roman Dominance: The Romans extensively used the Corinthian order in grand public buildings like temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches. Iconic structures such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens (completed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian) and the Pantheon in Rome showcase its magnificence.
- Renaissance and Beyond: Its popularity resurfaced during the Renaissance, influencing architects like Andrea Palladio and continuing through Baroque, Neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts periods. This enduring appeal testifies to its aesthetic versatility and grandeur.
Corinthian vs. Other Classical Orders
To better understand the Corinthian order, it's helpful to compare it with its predecessors, the Doric and Ionic orders:
| Feature | Doric Order | Ionic Order | Corinthian Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | Simple, plain, circular abacus and echinus | Volutes (scrolls) on either side | Elaborate, decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls |
| Column | Sturdy, fluted, no base | Slender, fluted, rests on a molded base | Most slender, fluted, rests on a molded base |
| Frieze | Alternating triglyphs and metopes | Continuous, often sculpted | Continuous, often richly sculpted or molded |
| Perception | Masculine, strong, severe | Feminine, graceful, intellectual | Ornate, luxurious, grand, regal |
| Origin | Mainland Greece, Magna Graecia | East Greece (Ionia) | Athens, developed extensively by Romans |
Examples of Corinthian Architecture
The Corinthian order has graced countless significant buildings throughout history, demonstrating its adaptability and visual impact.
- Ancient Rome:
- Temple of Mars Ultor, Roman Forum
- Temple of Castor and Pollux, Roman Forum
- Column of Phocas, Roman Forum
- Pantheon's massive portico columns
- Ancient Greece:
- Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, Athens (first exterior use)
- Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens
- Beyond Antiquity:
- United States Capitol Building, Washington D.C., USA
- St. Paul's Cathedral, London, UK
- Opéra Garnier, Paris, France
The Corinthian order, with its distinctive elaborate capitals adorned with acanthus leaves and scrolls, represents the pinnacle of decorative artistry in classical architecture, conveying a sense of grandeur and refinement that has captivated observers for millennia.
