Plate 46. An Ionic Pilaster from the Baths of Diocletian

This order is taken from one of the many pilasters of the Baths of Diocletian built 300 A. D.

The pilaster which here supports the entablature stood in the corner of a chamber of the extensive baths, without doubt in connection with other pilasters or columns. The use of an Ionic column capital on a pilaster appears to us in this case as preposterous inasmuch as the bolster cuts into the shaft and the echinus must follow the round at the top and the astragal under must follow a straight line. The shaft would better have received seven flutes instead of five. It is also unfortunate where the shaft connects itself to the wall with a half flute, for here should always be a fillet, and for this reason a pilaster should never project exactly a half, but preferably less, seldom more. The spacing of the flutes will therefore determine the exact projection.

The entablature is considerably different than the two foregoing examples. It is strikingly low and with a swelling frieze, a form for which the Romans, who, in all members of their works admired the swell, often found application.