An Abridgment of the Architecture of Vitruvius / Containing a System of the Whole Works of that Author Papyras Classics

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Chapter 15

The Explication Of the Ninth Table

This contains the Proportions of the Corinthian Capital, which makes all the distinction betwixt Jonick and the Corinthian Order, all other Members, according to Vitruvius, being the same. A is the Corinthian Capital, which has for its height only the Diameter of the bottom of the Column; B is the Capital of the Pantheon, which is higher by a seventh part, viz. the thickness of the Abacus; C D is the height of the Capital divided into seven, of which the Abacus has one, the Voluta’s and Foliages and Stalks two, the Foliage in the Range above two, and that in the Range below two. To have the breadth of the Abacus, we must give to its Diagonal E F the double of its height C D. To have the greatness and just Proportion of its bending H, we must divide the breadth of the Abacus E G into nine parts, and give it one.

At the bottom of this Table is represented the Herb Branbursine, which grows round about the Basket, which is covered with a Tile, from which Vitruvius says the Sculptor Callimachus took the first Model of the Corinthian Capital.

This Table relates to p. 108.