Corinthian Columns

Corinthian Columns

The Corinthian style was seldom used in the Greek world, but often appeared in Roman temples.
Its capital is elaborate and decorated with acanthus leaves. [MH] {AP}
This style was really a variant of the Ionic columns. At first, Corinthian capitals were used only for interiors. Not until a century later did they start to replace small Ionic Capitals on the exterior. Soon after, the Corinthian capital came to be employed on the exteriors of large buildings as well, and in Roman times it was the standard capital for almost any purpose.
Its shape is that of an inverted bell. The acanthus leaves seem to sprout from the top of the column shaft. [RA] {HI}