Plate 75. Corinthian Order by Vignola

Vignola's profiles are not always in the spirit of the antique. The fillets of the cornice and over the large cymatium of the architrave could be a little heavier. The moulding over the dentils should be smaller. Vignola has here followed the ancient examples on which nearly always this moulding, in comparison with the cymatium of the frieze, was too large. It could also be desired that the projection of the cornice was less by two parts (after his 18 part scale) for thereby the coffers in the soffit of the corona would be nearly square, which is the most natural form for them. This reduction, which would also have to be taken from the modillions, would not derange their spacing, nor the arrangement of the other members. The other profiles are of good form, and have found many imitators.

His capital would gain gracefulness if the leaves of the second row had less projection and less height. Vignola himself says that he considered the opinion of the different authors (who were seldom, however, of the same opinion) as also the antique monuments, which latter, without doubt, were by different authorities. As he found, however, that all differed considerably in their principal relations, he knew of no other way than to set a fast rule, and so finally from the different elements he formed an original whole.

We have much to be thankful for on account of Vignola's researches, but a great misuse of his orders has been made, inasmuch as they have been blindly followed without regard to mass or proportion, and for this reason have come to be considered as standard, the source from which they were originated having been entirely forgotten. A comparison of Vignola's order with the examples of the monuments which have been heretofore described, will show the variations, and will lead to a study of the latter examples, the results of which will be much more beneficial than a further discussion.

The forms and names of the principal members are the same for all the orders, and as they differ only in their connection with one another, we will omit repetitions and will give here only the names of the members and ornaments characteristic of the Corinthian order.

Names of the Members of the Corinthian Order.

The Cornice: A. Cyma with Lionheads for Spouts. B. Modillion. C. Modillion, side view. D. Band whereon Modillions are placed. E. Pineapple.

The Frieze: F. Frieze with Bas-reliefs.

The Architrave: G. Architrave with Fasciæ separated with ornamental Mouldings.

The Capital: H. Abacus. I. Flower or Rosette. K. Volute. L. Small or Center Volute. M. Leaf and Stalk. N. Leaf head supporting Volute. O. Greater Leaf. P. Smaller Leaf. Q. Bell or Basket. R. Rim of the Basket. S. Flower out of which springs the Stalk (back of small Volutes) which supports the Rosette.

Sections of the Capital: V. Plan of the Volute. W. Plan of the Rosette Block. X. Plan of the Leaf and Stalk from which the Volute springs. Y. Plan of the Abacus. Z. Plan of the Leaves.