Plate 18. The Theatre of Marcellus at Rome

This large building of travertine stone erected by Marcellus, a nephew of Emperor Augustus, forms a half circle and seated 30,000 spectators. It had originally four stories, of which parts of the two lower remain. Both these stories show arcades, the columns of the lower being Doric, half engaged and carrying an entablature with a triglyphic frieze. On this plate is shown the Doric order of the lower story.

Under the very striking, far-projecting corona are found dentils. The abacus of the capital seems a little heavy. The column is shown without a base.* The Doric order of this monument is of good proportions and has attracted the attention of critical architects generally. The later masters seem to have taken this order for their model. Probably by lessening the projection of the cornice the whole would be improved.

The arches of the arcade, without archivolts, rest on imposts which are shown at the left of the plate.

The second story is decorated with the Ionic order shown on Plate 45.

*The column is now known to have had a base. — Sturgis' Dic.