Ten Books on Architecture

Nothing is more unadorned than the Tuscan, which came before, save for an occasional sober ornament, such as lion heads on the cornice, and triglyphs and metopes always in the frieze. Sometimes, though rarely, it is fluted; and light carving is applied to the hypotrachelium or neck below the capital. Its length is seven diameters. Its rank or order is the lowest in every respect, being more massive than the other three, and consequently best suited for load-bearing. The intercolumniation is three times its lower thickness. Its contraction at the top is one-fifth of that same measurement. To distinguish it is the task of a herald rather than an architect; for it is better recognized by its location when in the company of others, and by the peculiar ornament of the frieze (mentioned above) when it is alone.

The Ionic order represents a kind of feminine grace, yet, as Vitruvius says, with a matronly and decent adornment rather than a meretricious one. Its length is eight diameters. In rank, as well as solidity, it is next to the Doric, sustaining the third and adorning the second rank. The intercolumniation is two of its own diameters. It is best recognized by its ornament, for the body of this column is always fluted, like a deeply pleated robe. The capital is dressed on both sides, not unlike the curls of women in their coiffure. They call the Ionic [ornament] a volute. The frieze is swollen like a cushion; and for this reason, this column is not inelegantly called Pulvinated. These are its most potent characteristics.

The Corinthian order is a column lasciviously dressed like a harlot; in which it shares (as do all inventions) in the place where it was first born: Corinth was, without controversy, one of the most luxurious cities in the whole world. This order is nine diameters [high]. Its rank is one interval above the Ionic, and is certainly the highest of the simple orders. The intercolumniation is two and one-quarter of its own diameters, which is the most decent distance. The contraction is one-seventh. In the cornice, there are both dentils and modillions (our own craftsmen call them Teeth and Cartouches). The frieze is adorned with figures of every kind, at will. The capital is carved with the leaves of the most beautiful plant that nature produces, after the Aconitum Pardalianches, which is perhaps rejected as ominous—namely, the Acanthus or Bear’s Breech; although Vitruvius attributes the choice of this to fortune; and one must believe him. Briefly, just as simplicity and character define the Tuscan, so luxury and variety define the Corinthian, setting aside the height of its rank.

The last is the Composite order, the name of which is an index of its nature: for this column is nothing else but a mixture or collection of all the preceding ornaments, stealthily constituting a new species. And although it is most opulently dressed, it is nevertheless the most destitute, because it borrows all its beauty. Its length (to have something of its own) is ten diameters. Its rank is undoubtedly the highest, because of what was said before. However, few palaces, whether ancient or more recent, exceed the third urban order. The intercolumniation is only one and a half diameters, or certainly a little less than two. The contraction of the column ought to be one-eighth smaller at the top than at the bottom. It is easily recognized by its ornaments or dress.

And so much for the five orders of columns, which I shall conclude with two or three not inappropriate cautions. First, where more than one of these orders are used in different stories, diligent care must be taken that the columns are placed precisely one above the other, so that the solid may correspond to the solid, and the void to the void; this is as much for the beauty as for the firmness of the structure. And from this caution, it follows clearly that when we speak of the intercolumniation due to each order, we understand it to mean a Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian portico or peristyle, or a similar place, and not structures that consist of many stories or floors. Second, let the upper columns be one-quarter smaller than the lower-