Plate 56. The Monument of Lysicrates: Section of the Cupola

Plate 56 shows the section in half of the cupola as also the section of the corona of the cornice from which can be seen that these stones answered partly as a support for the cupola, and partly to lead off the rainwater in gutters shown at E. The cupola rests on the corona in such a way that the load is exactly over the axis of the columns, and the corona is also secured thereby. The sections of the two gutters are shown at E and F, and the lower row of leaves is shown also in section at G, the remaining leaves being similar. The profile of the thin outer edge of the cupola from which springs the wave-like cresting is shown on the left of the plate at half the actual size.

Over the entablature the cupola arches itself, though not constructed as an arch, but very skillfully worked out of a single stone 8 feet 4.4 inches across, and, from the bedding into the cornice up to and including the lower portion of the finial connected therewith, 3 feet 4 inches high. At the foot of the finial and spaced equally around the same, spring three acanthus flower cups, from each of which in turn springs a highly ornamental cluster of thistle leaves and flowers, one part hanging downward on the roof in the form of a console-like mass, and the other part extending upwards, whereof only so much remains as is shown below the broken line C. The part above this line, springing from a thistle leaf, was restored at the site, in the style of the portion yet remaining. On the plan and section at the beginning of each console is shown a round hole in which was probably placed a metal rod for the support of the dolphin above as described on Plate 55.