Glossary · V
Volute
Also called volutes
A spiral scroll, the defining feature of the Ionic capital; smaller volutes (helices) appear on the Corinthian and large diagonal ones on the Composite.
Rules that use the word
The Corinthian capital. The Corinthian capital is as high as the column is thick; its abacus is one seventh of that height, and the rest is divided in three: the lower leaves, the upper leaves, and the stalks from which the volutes spring.
Mauch’s volute: each turn half the one outside it. Draw the Ionic volute seven eye-diameters high and six wide, with the eye four diameters below the top; lay three turns about centres set out in the eye so that each winding is half as wide as the one outside it and the spiral runs into the top of the eye.
The Composite capital: Ionic volutes on Corinthian leaves. Compose the Roman or Composite capital from two rows of Corinthian leaves round the bell with a full Ionic capital (echinus and four diagonal volutes) above them.
Where it appears in the book
In the chapters How to Use This Book, The Ionic Order, The Corinthian Order, The Composite Order, The Ancient World.
Nearby in the glossary
Veranda · Vihara · Villa · Vimana · Voussoir · Wall rib · Wardian case · Wattle and daub