Ionic order, one of the orders of classical architecture. Its distinguishing feature is the twin volutes, or spiral scrolls, of its capital. See order.
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orderOrder , any of several styles of classical or Neoclassical architecture that are defined by the particular type of column and entablature they use as a basic unit. A column consists of a shaft together with its base and its capital. The column supports a section… -
Western architecture: The Orientalizing periodThe Ionic order evolved later, in eastern Greece. About 600bc , at Smyrna, the first intimation of the style appeared in stone columns with capitals elaborately carved in floral hoops—a pattern derived from Asian examples and used mainly on smaller objects and furniture but also enlarged… -
Western architecture: DesignThe Ionic order was used in some temples and public buildings, and the number of isolated capitals found suggests that it had a certain vogue in private homes. Notable examples of this order are the Temple of Fortuna Virilis and Trajan’s Forum at Rome.…
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Western sculpture: The Archaic period…for the frieze decoration on Ionic buildings, of which the best examples are from the Siphnian Treasury at Delphi (Archaeological Museum, Delphi), constructed shortly before 525bc . The shallow relief on these works is little more than drawing rendered partly in the round; but the sculptor soon learned how, even… -
ErechtheumErechtheum, ionic temple of Athena, built during 421–405 bc on the Acropolis at Athens, famous largely for its complexity and for the exquisite perfection of its details. The temple’s Ionic capitals are the most beautiful that Greece produced, and its distinctive porch, supported by caryatid…
