LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Columns: Capitals
built 388 days ago
The last of the three columns in the Greek order is the Corinthian column. Similarities arise between the Ionic and Corinthian... the distinguishing difference lies in the capital. The capital of the Corinthian structure is intricately carved with acanthus leaves, foliage, or different flowers. Unlike the Ionic the Corinthian capital flows upward to enhance the height of the column. The Corinthian column displays numerous rows of acanthus leaves and often times different foliage and flowers. The capital is a nice bell-shaped topping to a very beautiful column
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Decorative interior columns have become very popular in commercial and residential applications. Small business and homeowners often use fiberglass interior columns and capitals placed up against a wall as pilaster columns. This gives a timeless effect and looks as if the column is part of the building’s structural support. Although popular today, architectural interior columns have a long history of use dating back thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians to the ancient Greeks, interior columns were used for decorative appeal as well building support.
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Solomonic columns were inventions of Baroque architects in Europe. They were not used in antiquity, but were called "Solomonic" by baroque architects because they were based on a description of columns in the great temple of King Solomon in the Old Testament. A Solomonic column begins on a base and ends in a capital, just like a classical column, but the shaft twists around the usual parameters of a column, producing a dramatic, serpentine effect of movement. The most famous use of Solomonic columns is in the canopy designed by Bernini for Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.
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Lotiform columns were perhaps used in non-secular buildings then in the temples. However, this is not to say that they were not ... sometimes employed in religious architecture. The simple, lotus bud form of the column is enjoyed widespread use in the Old and Middle Kingdom temples. Its use declined during the New Kingdom, but again found popularity during the Graeco-Roman Period. This column usually has ribbed shafts representing the the stems of the Lotus, and capitals in the form of a closed (bud) or open lotus flower.
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