The Ten Books on Architecture, 4.1.1

Vitruvius  translated by Morris Hicky Morgan

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The Origins of the Three Orders, and the Proportions of the Corinthian Capital

1Corinthian columns are, excepting in their capitals, of the same proportions in all respects as Ionic; but the height of their capitals gives them proportionately a taller and more slender effect. This is because the height of the Ionic capital is only one third of the thickness of the column, while that of the Corinthian is the entire thickness of the shaft. Hence, as two thirds are added in Corinthian capitals, their tallness gives a more slender appearance to the columns themselves.

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