Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/121

 GREEK ARCHITECTURE. 63 abacus is a square slab under which is a large convex moulding called the echinus, which is somewhat similar in outline to a human hand supporting a book. The profile of the echinus varies according to the date of erection, the earlier examples, such as the Temples at Paestum (No. 19 a, b), being fuller in outline (approximately parabolic section), whereas in the later examples such as the Theseion (No. 19 d), and the Parthenon (No. 19 e) the curve approaches a straight line (approximately hyperbolic section). Annulets or horizontal fillets varying from three to five in number are placed beneath the echinus of the capital in order to form a stop or contrast to the long lines of the arrises between the flutes. Immediately below is the trachelion or necking, having beneath it the hypotrachelion formed of three groves in the older or archaic examples and one in the later. The entablature, usually about one quarter of the height of order, is supported by columns, and has three main divisions : — {a.) The architrave is derived from its prototype, the wooden beam. It has considerable depth, and only one vertical face, whereas in the Ionic and Corinthian orders the usual number is three. Separating this from the freize is a flat moulding called the tenia, and underneath this at intervals corresponding to the triglyphs is a narrow band called the regula, having six guttae. (b.) The frieze has triglyphs, ornamented with three channels, and metopes or square spaces between them, sometimes filled with sculpture of the highest quality (page 72). Beneath the triglyphs are guttse or small conical drops. The triglyphs are placed at equal distances apart, and come immediately over the centre of each column and intercolumniation. At the angles, however, this is not so, because the two triglyphs meet with a bevelled edge, and in consequence the intercolumniation of the two outer columns in each front is less by about half a triglyph in width than that of the others. (c.) The cornice consists of an upper or crowning part consist- ing of cymatium and birdsbeak mouldings beneath which is a vertical face known ns the corona. The soffit is inclined upwards and parallel with the slope of the roof, and its underside has flat projecting blocks called mutules, which recall the feet of sloping rafters, one over each triglyph and metope, their soffits being ornamented with eighteen guttae in three rows of six each. The principal examples are found in Greece, Sicily, and South Italy. Doric Examples in Greece. Duh: Architerl. The Heraioii, Olynipia (No. 31 c, D, page 66) B.C. 700 The l^emple of Athena, Corinth. . B.C. 650 TG Tef/iple 0/ Foseidon, Island of Paros. B.C. 6th cent. The Temple of Zeus, Olympia {■^■A^^b-j) . B.C. 472-469 Libon.