Corinthian Columns - The Corinthian Order

Corinthian Architecture

The last of the three columns in the Greek order is the Corinthian column. Similarities arise between the Ionic and Corinthian, however the distinguishing difference lies in the capital. The capital of the Corinthian structure is intricately carved with acanthus leaves, foliage, or different flowers. Unlike the Ionic the Corinthian capital flows upward to enhance the height of the column. The Corinthian column displays numerous rows of acanthus leaves and often times different foliage and flowers. The capital is a nice bell-shaped topping to a very beautiful column.

Ten times the height of its width, the Corinthian order is the slenderest of all decorative columns. Found on the Temple of Mars Ultar, this style of architectual column was adapted in the middle of the fourth century BC. Unspecific to any other column, the Corinthian order is accented by a more ornate footing called an Attic base.

During the sixteenth century, the Romans designed a column of their own based on the original Greek Doric order. Keeping the simplistic basis, the Romans developed a smooth column with a non-decorative base and capital that reflect the simplicity of the Doric capital.

This column is architecturally correct at a height of seven times its width. Columns have been used for thousands of years, but until the Italian Renaissance, no one had ever classified columns in the orders described previously. During this time, a man by the name of Giacomo Barozzio da Vignola copied down the first known true architectural proportions, now known as “orders,” of columns.

The Corinthian column, historically known as the Corinthian order, is seen on many different structural buildings as well as distinguished homes. In Washington D.C., you are able to see eight massive Corinthian pillars in the National Building Museum.

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