What are the types of capitals. What is a capital? This is a fragment of architecture with a centuries-old past Capital in modern architecture
(from the Latin capitellum - head) part of the order - the upper element of a column or pilaster, located between the fust (column trunk) and the entablature (horizontal ceiling) or the fifth arch, vault. At the bottom, the column is framed by a base. Most often it is found column capital. The upper part of the capital (top of the column), which creates a visual transition from the vertical of the column to the horizontal of the ceiling, is called the abacus. Architectural execution differs depending on the style of the building.
Types of capitals by style
The capitals of the columns of various orders differ in appearance. Capitals Doric order(from the Greek dorikos - by the name of the tribe) of one of the oldest orders of ancient architecture, the simplest, characteristically wide and consist of two parts: a stone "cushion" - and a square slab -.
Ionic capital(lat. ionica - by the name of the Ionian tribe) differs from the Doric by the presence of two volutes (architectural detail in the form of a spiral curl) on the sides. The Ionic order is the embodiment of a light, elegant, sophisticated and feminine style.
Corinthian order(from the name of the city of Corinth in Greece) one of the three classical ancient Greek architectures has a magnificent capital of the column, resembling a basket with acanthus leaves.
And the architecture of ancient Rome was designed composite order(Italian composite, lat. сompositum - composite, complex) based on Corinthian and Ionic. A Corinthian capital with an acanthus leaf decor was taken as the basis and volute scrolls of the Ionic order capitals and other sculptural details were added.
Tuscan order(by the name of the central region of Italy - Tuscany) the ancient Roman version of the Greek Doric order, is the simplest, most powerful, heaviest of the five orders. The capital of the Tuscan order column is similar to the capital of the column Doric order.
Features of the capital of the column in modern architecture
The artistic image of modern building architecture, which wants to recreate the atmosphere of the classics, uses the capitals of classical orders as an element of decorative design of the facades of buildings and interior spaces.
Having a special plastic design and marking the transition from the vertical of the support shaft to the horizontal of the entablature lying on it.
In the Southern and Northern palaces of Pharaoh Djoser, columns with capitals in the form of large leaves falling on both sides of the trunk, capitals in the form of an open papyrus flower are presented. In the temple of Luxor (15th century BC), the columns are made in the form of bundles of papyrus stems, the capital is in the form of an unblown flower, as well as columns with an almost cylindrical trunk with slightly marked edges, with capitals in the form of a blossoming papyrus. In the temple of Karnak (16th century BC), the capitals of the columns are in the form of open papyrus flowers. In the Hellenistic period (332-330 BC), capitals traditional in form are combined, merging, forming lush bouquets (the temple of Isis on the island of Philae).
The most common in Late Egypt was the Gatoric type of columns. The column consisted of a trunk, which looked like a handle of a musical instrument sistra, and a high capital, decorated on 4 sides with a relief image of the head of the goddess Gator with a woman's face and cow's ears. A cube was often placed above the image of the head.
Each of the classical architectural orders has its own type of capital, corresponding to the name of the order; in Greece, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian were known; from ancient Roman architecture came the Tuscan and composite types of capitals.
In the archaic era, orders of two variants are formed - doric, which arose on mainland Greece, and ionic, which appeared in island and Asia Minor Greece. The most important part of the order was the column, the trunks of which taper upward. The columns consist of three parts: the base (supporting part), the stem (fust), and the capital, on which the entablature rests, have entasis (thickening of the column stem, located at a height of 1/3 of its height to eliminate the optical concavity of the stem).
In the Doric order, the capitals of the columns consisted of echinus - a round stone pillow and abacus - a low square slab that takes the pressure of the entablature.
The capital of an Ionic column has two scrolls called volutes.
In the era of the classics, it was common for the Corinthian order to crown the columns with a magnificent basket-shaped capital from a floral ornament - acanthus leaves.
In ancient Greek art of the 7th-6th centuries. BC, as well as in the art of the Hellenistic East, there is a sculpturally decorated capital of a column, depicting the front part of the body of an animal or mythological creature, which is called protoma.
In the architecture of Ancient Rome, which adopted Greek architectural forms, a composite order joins, the capitals of which combine the features of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals, and the Tuscan order, inherited by the Romans from the Etruscans.
Dictionary Ushakov
Capital
capital, capitals, female (lat. capitella).
1. The upper part of the column, serving as a direct transition to the cover ( archit.).
2. only units A font of letters sized to lowercase, and the outline to uppercase ( type.).
Culturology. Dictionary-reference
Capital
(lat. capitellum - head) - the crowning part of a column, pillar or pilaster.
Architectural Dictionary
Capital
(from Late Lat. capitellum - head)
in architecture, a plastically distinguished crowning part of a vertical support (column or column), transferring to it the load from the architrave and the parts of the building located above (or figuratively expressing this function, as, for example, in a pilaster). Various types of capitals have developed in the wooden and stone architecture of various peoples, starting with the architecture of the countries of the Ancient East. In ancient times, three main classical types of capitals developed that became widespread in European architecture - Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, as well as a composite capital, which is a combination of elements of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals. Peculiar types of capitals were created in China, Japan, Mexico, in Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Old Russian architecture, in the architecture of Armenia, Georgia, and the states of Central Asia. Since the Renaissance, the types of ancient capitals have varied widely, sometimes combinations of classical forms with local ornamental motifs have been used.
the top end of a column, pylon, or pilaster.
(Architecture: An Illustrated Guide, 2005)
The crowning element of a column or pilaster, which differs from its main part in a more complex shape and greater width.
(Terms of the Russian architectural heritage. Pluzhnikov V.I., 1995)
(Late Lat. capitellum - head) - the crowning part of a vertical support (column or pilaster), on which lies a horizontal ceiling (beam of architraves). Various types of capitals developed in the most ancient wooden structures and in the stone architecture of the countries of the Ancient East (gatoric, lotus-shaped, osiric, stalactite, chippoline, etc.). The capital was developed in detail in order system antique architecture. The simplest Doric capital includes a rounded pillow - echinus and a square slab lying on it - abacus. More complex Ionic, the capital has a pillow with lateral curls - volutes and ornamentation of echinus and abacus. Corinthian the capital has the appearance of a lush bowl of acanthus leaves and curls expanding upwards. The combination of Ionic and Corinthian capitals gives composite capital, applied for the first time in architecture by Dr. Rome.
(Dictionary of terms of architecture. Yusupov E.S., 1994)
Antique world. Dictionary-reference
Capital
(from Late Lat. capitellum - head)
the crowning part of the column, located between the shaft of the support and the horizontal ceiling.
(I.A. Lisovy, K.A. Revyako. The ancient world in terms, names and titles: Dictionary-reference book on the history and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome / Scientific ed. A.I. Nemirovsky. - 3rd ed. - Minsk: Belarus, 2001)
the upper part of a column or pilaster, on which the ceiling rests (see Order)
(Ancient culture: literature, theater, art, philosophy, science. Dictionary-reference book / Edited by V.N. Yarkho. M., 1995.)
Scythians. Byzantium. Black Sea region. Dictionary of historical terms and names
Capital
(lat. capitellum "head") the top of the column, on which lay the architrave - a beam supporting the roof of the building. The capital could be of different styles (orders): Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and composite, that is, mixed (most often - Ionic and Corinthian, as well as with the inclusion of figured elements, for example, ram's heads).
encyclopedic Dictionary
Capital
(from late Latin capitellum - head), crowning part of a column, pillar or pilaster.
Ozhegov's dictionary
CAPT E L [T uh], And, well.(specialist.). The crowning part of a column, pillar or pilaster.
Today, few people are interested in the eras of the past, but in architecture there are many reminders of the heyday of ancient Greece and the centuries of the Renaissance, in particular, various types of capitals used in columns and pilasters.
What are the types of capitals?
Modern planning does not exclude such architectural frills as columns, semi-columns and pilasters. It is quite possible to replace the wall with the first, especially if these supporting elements are paired, and between them there is a place for a beautiful screen. As for the semi-columns, they are installed only against the walls and can be used as buttresses, greatly enhancing the reliability of the building. Pilasters, on the other hand, are only decoration and are mounted on walls for decorative purposes.
Moreover, any of the listed architectural elements is supplied with a capital, that is, a top, the shape of which depends on the style. According to the type of pattern, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan and complex design of the capital are distinguished. They all look completely different, with the first three orders listed referring to Ancient Greece. The Ionic version has symmetrically arranged spiral volutes, as the elements of the ornament are called. Dorics are simple, they usually have almost no ornament, only symmetrically located protrusions and grooves.
The Corinthian style, on the other hand, is usually oversaturated with sculptures of acanthus leaves and flowers. The Tuscan style belongs to Ancient Rome and is very similar in severity to Doric. Complex types of column capitals, as the name implies, have a very complex ornament, as a rule, there are up to 16 leaves in it. In the past, columns were carved out of stone entirely or assembled from three parts (base, stem and capitals) without any fixing solutions.
Today, the fust or, in other words, the body of the column combines several details. And since the support elements are produced, for the most part, in the form of castings, each segment is made up of two vertical halves. At the same time, reinforcement of the capitals of columns is very often used during assembly, especially at the junctions with fust and abacus. If the capital has a kink to increase stability under high loads, structural reinforcement is not required. As reinforcing elements, 10 mm rods are used, located at the corners and midpoints of the sides of the capitals.
How to install a pilaster with a capital?
Modern industry produces a variety of polymer columns and pilasters designed for home decoration. They consist of several parts that are assembled according to a certain scheme, and, it would seem, there is nothing complicated in installation. However, it is very important to know how to properly fix each part of the pilaster, as well as the capital, to the wall. Below you can find a detailed assembly diagram.
Installation of a pilaster with a capital - step by step diagram
Step 1: Fitting the pilaster to the height of the wall
It was already mentioned earlier that pilasters today are produced in the form of several separate segments, which can be two or more. Based on the height of the wall, taking into account the fact that a ceiling border can be planned on top, and there is a plinth below, we determine the total length of the pilaster with a capital, after which we assemble the fuss from the required number of parts. Each detail must be processed along the end, giving it an angle of 90 degrees to the decorative surface.
Step 2: Marking for Pilaster Installation
Having chosen the place where the pilaster will be located, we draw a vertical line to fit the edges of all parts of the decorative wall rack along it. We determine the order of arrangement of the parts, after which we take the lowest one, grease its back side with glue and apply it to the wall according to the markings made earlier.
For fixing it is best to use liquid nails.
Step 3: Assembling the Pilaster Parts End-to-End
Next, we take the next part, cover its back and bottom end plane with glue, which can be applied with a winding dotted line, covering as large an area as possible. We apply the next part to the previous one tightly end-to-end so that the flutes, as the vertical grooves on the body of the pilaster are called, coincide at the junction of the two parts. We apply a rule to make sure the parts are on the same plane.
Step 4: Installing the capital and securing the pilaster parts
If the ceilings are high, if necessary, we glue another part of the fusta, after which we fix the capital in the manner described.
After making sure that the assembly is done evenly, we fix all the parts to the wall with screws, in order to prevent the pilaster from moving away from the wall until the glue dries completely.
Step 5: Finishing the seams
After the glue has completely set, you can unscrew the screws from the pilaster. Holes from self-tapping screws, as well as joints, it is desirable to cover with putty.
If the joints are almost imperceptible, it is better to first hide them under a layer that should match the tone of the pilaster.
Step 6: Installing ornamental overlays
If there are smooth areas on the surface of the pilaster, they can be decorated with decorative panels.
Ornamental elements, which are often included in the kit, are smeared on the back side with glue and applied to the areas previously marked for them.
Step 7: Mounting over the ceiling skirting boards
Pilasters are usually mounted at the stage of finishing work, when the ceiling borders have not yet been installed.. This allows you to bring the capital directly under the ceiling, or leave room for the plinth. Therefore, if the curbs along the top of the wall are nevertheless planned, a strictly necessary distance should be left under them. When the pilaster is firmly fixed with glue, you can proceed with the installation, fixing it with an adhesive solution to the upper end of the capital or its edge.
We coat the details with acrylic
When the liquid acrylic hardens, we start painting the entire pilaster, while the decorative overlays can be highlighted in color, for example, in gold or bronze.
How are pilasters and capitals used in the interior?
Despite the fact that pilasters and columns are far from suitable for every style of interior decoration, they can be found in almost any home, and not necessarily inside, but, for example, to decorate the pediment and porch. For the most part, pilasters are used if the rooms are decorated in a classic or antique style. Also, the columns are in perfect harmony with the Gothic surroundings.
With the help of pilasters, you can beautifully highlight the openings between the rooms; also, such decorative elements are suitable for zoning a large space.
Columns and pilasters are made of travertine and marble, as well as granite and artificial acrylic stone. However, polymer models are more popular, which are much lighter, which simplifies their transportation and installation. The shape of the pilasters can be different, rounded or angular, and the visual change in the proportions of the room with the help of these decorative elements depends on the width of the product. Narrow models make the room visually taller, wide ones give the interior monumentality.
monumental architecture
Perhaps you will be surprised, but capitals often surround you in everyday life, you just have to look a little. The capital is the brainchild of great ancient architecture. It is difficult to say how in or Rome people who did not have equipment and special equipment could build such complex monumental buildings. But they have not only survived to this day, but are also able to amaze even the most sophisticated modern architect with their majestic beauty.
The capital is the upper part of the column, which is the connecting element between the horizontal vault and the column itself. Often such an element is also used in the crowning part of racks or pilasters. The shape, size and ornament of such products can be completely different, from the most modest and discreet to incredibly complex and majestic. You've probably seen similar ones before.
They are not only beautiful
At first glance, it may seem that the capital is just a decoration of the column. But it is not so. This part of the building carries a very important functional purpose. Having the shape of a trapezoid, expanding upward, the capital increased the area of contact with the column itself, taking on the main load. Thanks to such a reliable support, the columns received better stability, and the upper vaults did not collapse under the weight of a huge weight.
Depending on when the building was erected and by whom, the capital itself differed significantly. The architecture of each nation and time carried its own specific style and elements were made from different materials, such as wood or stone.
Different kinds
Of course, time left its mark on architecture. Tastes, fashion and style of buildings changed, thanks to which various types of capitals appeared. To date, there are several main ones:
- Tuscan (the most modest);
- Doric (rather simple);
- Ionic (medium difficulty);
- Corinthian (the most intricate).
Peculiar species appeared in ancient Mexico, Japan, and even in Slavic architecture. Often they were of a mixed type, combining classics with local ornaments, emphasizing their particular style.
Capitals today
Capitals are no less popular in modern life. These elements often decorate themselves or any spacious rooms that have columns. And yes, it is they who are a kind of distinguishing mark. If there is a capital, then if not, then an ordinary pillar.
Capitals play an important role not only in the construction of houses. Many designers have taken the idea and started decorating almost anything with them. You can find lighting fixtures in the form of capitals, and some furniture and decor items have even acquired them. The main task is, of course, aesthetic, such an element gives the products luxury and its own certain charm.
Our contemporaries most often use carved capitals made of wood, stone or mold them from clay and other materials. Modern construction rarely uses capitals to support ceiling beams, we have learned how to build sufficiently strong structures without them. Basically, such elements are used to decorate interiors or street facades.
Now you know exactly what a capital is, where it came from and how it is used. Perhaps soon you, like your friend, will be lucky to see the majestic luxury of Byzantine architecture and the progenitors of all modern capitals.
