Almost everywhere you go in modern society, you can behold any one of the three types of Ancient Greek pillars: ‘Doric’, ‘Ionic’, and ‘Corinthian’. From the Ionic pillars outside the British Museum, to the Corinthian columns on Buckingham Palace – London is bursting with buildings, old and new, that are ornamented with these timeless souvenirs of the ancient world.
The Doric Order
The Doric order is very much a plain, straightforward style. Doric pillars usually do not have any ornamentation or decoration, such as carvings, but are normally fluted (which means they have vertical lines cut into the face). These pillars do not have a base or a pedestal at the bottom but are placed straight onto the ground. Doric columns are favoured in the West and are considered masculine as they are not very ornate. They are made of drums put together on a pole.
The Ionic Order
The Ionic order is said to be favoured in the East and is usually associated with feminine art. Ionic columns are made of one straight piece of carved stone. These pillars have a very distinct form, distinguishable by the characteristic spiral or scroll-shaped ornaments - known as volutes - at the top, or the shaft. Some Ionic columns have one pair of larger volutes, while others have two pairs of smaller ones - depending on the architect. Ionic pillars are also often fluted, giving them a stately and elegant appearance.
The Corinthian Order
The Corinthian order is perhaps the most ornate out of the three types of columns - Corinthian columns are adorned with carved, classical acanthus leaves at the top, these are sometimes even made of gold - or painted gold. These columns are sleek, slender, thin and often fluted. The name 'Corinthian' is derived from the ancient Greek city - Corinth.
Now that you can tell the three orders apart, next time you go to London - or any city - you can look out for them and know exactly what they are.
By Lauren Cudjoe
