Plate 78. The Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus

The entablature of this Triumphal Arch is different from the Corinthian or Ionic, and even though it has something from both, it has, however, a character of its own, and, together with the capital, can be counted as a further order of the Romans. The cornice which has a distinct character, demands a somewhat greater projection of the corona. The frieze, on account of its scant height, appears smaller than the upper fascia of the architrave, which, in comparison with the lower fascia, is very strong. A greater space between the dentil member and the corona and a better relation of the frieze and architrave would probably improve the whole.

The capital has a pleasing form, but it appears as though the later masters have given preference to that on the Arch of Titus, because on the latter the volutes start in a much more natural manner.

The impost cornices, with the archivolts and the attic, are represented on Plate 86.