Glossary
C
Capital
The architectural element that is part of a column that links the shaft to the structure above it , either an architrave* or arch. It is usually made of two parts that serve as connecting / linking elements: the lower, often decorated, is called echinus* whilst the upper is usually more simple, called abacus*.
There are many kinds of capital:
- Doric: has a flat abacus that rests on a quarter-round echinus.
- Tuscan: with semi-circular echinus and abacus with upper frame
- Ionic: the echinus is usually decorated with ovoli* (kyma ionico), large lateral volutes (swirls/coils) and a relatively shallow abacus.
- Corinthian similar in shape to a cone, decorated with two rows or ranks of Acanthus
leaves and linked to the abacus by decorative spirals on the corners
- Composite: typical of Roman architecture, it combines the abacus of a Corinthian capital with
the echinus with ovoli (kyma ionico) of an Ionic capital. It first appeared during the
Augustan era and was in common use by the Flavian era.
- Figured (or historiated): decorated with human or animal figures. Used in Egypt, it first appeared
in Rome during the Hellenistic age. Also popular during the Middle Ages.
There are many kinds of capital:
- Doric: has a flat abacus that rests on a quarter-round echinus.
- Tuscan: with semi-circular echinus and abacus with upper frame
- Ionic: the echinus is usually decorated with ovoli* (kyma ionico), large lateral volutes (swirls/coils) and a relatively shallow abacus.
- Corinthian similar in shape to a cone, decorated with two rows or ranks of Acanthus
leaves and linked to the abacus by decorative spirals on the corners
- Composite: typical of Roman architecture, it combines the abacus of a Corinthian capital with
the echinus with ovoli (kyma ionico) of an Ionic capital. It first appeared during the
Augustan era and was in common use by the Flavian era.
- Figured (or historiated): decorated with human or animal figures. Used in Egypt, it first appeared
in Rome during the Hellenistic age. Also popular during the Middle Ages.
Caryatid
From the Greek karat's(a young girl from Karuai (Caryae), an architectural element used by the Greeks instead of columns to support the entablature. Today the word is more commonly used to describe a structure shaped like a woman used instead of columns, pilasters or corbels to support a cornice, entablature, a loggia or a balcony.
Cella
The internal quadrangle of a pagan temple – the sanctuary in which the statue of the divinity was held.
Chryselephantine
From the Greek krusos (gold) and elefantinos (ivory). A statue made with a wooden framework in which the flesh was overlaid in ivory and the drapery in gold.
Ciborium
A free-standing canopy or covering supported by columns that covers the altar in Christian basilicas.
Cintre
Structure provisoire en bois constituée par des poutres reliées entre elles servant à armer et à soutenir des arcs et des voûtes pendant la construction.
Clipeus
A type of circular shield used by Romans to defend themselves.
- votive clipeus: a circular slab, that may or may not have been decorated, made of marble or metal that was hung in temples and public buildings.
- clipeus portrait: sometimes just the head or bust of a person.
- votive clipeus: a circular slab, that may or may not have been decorated, made of marble or metal that was hung in temples and public buildings.
- clipeus portrait: sometimes just the head or bust of a person.
Column
A load bearing structure usually comprising a base, shaft and capital. It has a convex curve or bulge located approximately a third of the way up called an entasis and a reduction in diameter towards the top that makes it appear taller and straighter than it is.
A column is:
- Cabled: if the fluting is further embellished by a stick-like moulding for around a third of its
height
- Fluted: if the shaft is carved with vertical grooves
A column is:
- Cabled: if the fluting is further embellished by a stick-like moulding for around a third of its
height
- Fluted: if the shaft is carved with vertical grooves
Copy
A reproduction of an original piece of work not executed by the artist himself. When the original artist reproduces his own work, it is called a replica.
Corbel (or console)
A piece of stone jutting out of a wall that supports a heavy weight (similar to a bracket), such as a beam, cornice, roof etc. In a corbelled cornice the cornice is supported by a series of corbels
Corinthian
One of the Classic orders characterized by a fluted column with base and capital decorated with Acanthus leaves and with a continuous frieze
Cornice
In classical architecture, the protruding element (moulding) above the frieze, effectively the upper section of the entablature More generally, the element that frames a painting, a fresco (in which case it is painted) or a relief
Crepidoma
The platform of three of more levels, that usually decrease in size to form steps, on which a Greek temple is built. The topmost level which supports the colonnade is called a stylobate, the lower two are known as stereobates.
Cross plan / design
The cross plan of a place of worship is described as:
Greek: when the building has four equal arms.
Latin: when a building has one, three or five longitudinal naves intersected by one or more transversal naves (transepts).
Greek: when the building has four equal arms.
Latin: when a building has one, three or five longitudinal naves intersected by one or more transversal naves (transepts).
Cross vault (or groin vault)
A vault created by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults
Cyma–or sima
A slightly rounded, convex moulding usually used as coping at the top of a building, either plain or decorated.