How to Study ArchitectureCaffin, Charles H. (Charles Henry)
History
How to Study Architecture
Caffin, Charles H. (Charles Henry)
Architecture -- History
Finally, the decoration of a Greek Temple comprised not only sculpture,
but also painting. A large part of every Doric temple was covered with
strong, bright colours, while certain prominent details were treated
with elaborate patterns. The figures of the sculpture also were painted
and relieved against a background of contrasted colour.
It has been discovered that the triglyphs were painted blue and the
metopes red and that the mouldings were decorated with ornament in red,
blue, green, and gold. The walls and the columns were probably stained
yellow or buff, perhaps by the use of wax melted on the surface
(_encaustic_).
=Asymmetries or Refinements.=--It might seem that, in the various
particulars we have noted, Hellenic intellect and feeling had exhausted
the possibilities of refinement. But there is yet another instance,
which was first revealed by the detailed measurements of Hellenic
temples made independently by two Englishmen, Francis Cranmer Penrose
and John Pennethorne, and by a German architect, Joseph Hoffer. The
results were published in 1838 and in 1851, and have been corroborated
by other students. They are known as architectural “refinements” or
“asymmetries.”
It had been assumed that, since the form of the temple type was
apparently symmetrical, it also involved absolute symmetry of details;
that geometrical regularity and mathematical accuracy were the necessary
and natural conditions of the architectural design. By those
investigators, however, it was discovered that though the principles of
geometry and mathematics were the foundation of the planning and
designing, regularity and accuracy were purposely avoided; and that so
far from the details being symmetrical they exhibit intentional
asymmetries.
One of these irregularities is the substitution of curved for straight
lines. We have already mentioned the entasis or swell in the vertical
contour of the column--a fact not observed by modern architects until
1810; but curvature is also found in the horizontal lines of the
stylobate and the architrave, frieze, and cornice, and in the gable
lines of the pediments. And since these were discovered other variations
of equal importance and significance have been found.
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