Greek Orders Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the term for the uppermost step of the platform that supports the columns?

stylobate

What is the term for the upper part of a column that supports the entablature?

capital

What is a metope?

panel between the triglyphs in a Doric frieze, often sculpted in relief

What is a triglyph?

a triple projecting, grooved member of a Doric frieze that alternates with metopes Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest part of an entablature called?

architrave Signup and view all the answers

What is a frieze?

an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice Signup and view all the answers

What is a cornice in architecture?

the topmost projecting part of an entablature, right under the pediment Signup and view all the answers

What is a pediment?

a triangular gable between a horizontal entablature and a sloping roof Signup and view all the answers

What is an entablature?

the structure consisting of the part of a classical temple above the columns between a capital and the roof Signup and view all the answers

What is a flute in terms of column design?

the shallow concave groove on the shaft of a column Signup and view all the answers

What is the shaft of a column?

the tall, cylindrical part of a column between the capital and the base Signup and view all the answers

What is a column?

a tall cylindrical vertical upright used to support a structure, from the abacus to the stylobate Signup and view all the answers

What is the base of a column?

a support or foundation of a column Signup and view all the answers

What is the Doric order in classical architecture?

oldest and simplest of the three orders of classical Greek architecture Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Ionic order?

a taller, thinner column with scroll shapes on its capital Signup and view all the answers

What is the Corinthian order?

the most slender and ornate of the three Greek columns, known for its decorative capital of delicately carved acanthus leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is a stereobate?

the top step of the stepped platform on which colonnades of temple columns are placed; 'floor of the temple' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Greek Architectural Terms

Stylobate: The uppermost step of a temple platform, providing support for columns.
Capital: The upper section of a column that supports the entablature, serving as a key distinguishing feature of the column's architectural order.

Frieze Elements

Metope: A panel located between triglyphs in a Doric frieze; frequently adorned with sculpted reliefs.
Triglyph: A three-grooved architectural element in the Doric frieze that alternates with metopes, enhancing the visual rhythm.

Entablature Components

Architrave: The lowest section of an entablature, directly resting on top of the columns.
Frieze: A decorative horizontal band that lies between the architrave and the cornice, often featuring intricate sculptures.
Cornice: The uppermost projecting element of an entablature, positioned beneath the pediment.

Structural Elements

Pediment: A triangular structure located between a horizontal entablature and a sloping roof, often embellished with sculptures.
Entablature: The architectural framework above the columns, encompassing everything from the capital to the roof.

Column Anatomy

Flute: Shallow, concave grooves carved into the shaft of a column, contributing to its design and aesthetics.
Shaft: The central, vertical part of a column situated between the capital and the base.
Column: A tall, cylindrical upright structure designed to support architecture, extending from the abacus to the stylobate.
Base: The foundational support of a column, providing stability.

Greek Orders of Architecture

Doric: The oldest and most straightforward of the three classical orders, characterized by its sturdy and unadorned structure.
Ionic: Known for its taller, slender form with distinctive scroll-like designs on the capital, reflecting elegance.
Corinthian: The most ornate and slender of the orders, recognized for its elaborately carved acanthus leaf capital.

Additional Structure

Stereobate: The elevated platform that serves as the base for temple columns, essentially the temple's floor structure.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Greek architectural terminology with these flashcards. Learn key terms such as stylobate, capital, metope, and triglyph that define the classic Greek orders. Perfect for architecture students or enthusiasts of classical art.