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Corinthian and Composite

The Corinthian Order
Port of London Authority, (former)

The CorinthianGlossary Term orderGlossary Term is more slender still than the IonicGlossary Term, and also more ornately treated. It was the most common RomanGlossary Term type, and was popular in addition in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The capitalGlossary Term is tall, with rings of foliage representing the leaves of the acanthusGlossary Term plant. The shape tapers outwards, like a basket: a legend tells how a sculptor called Callimachus invented the form after he saw a basket with a flat stone on top, through which growing acanthusGlossary Term had sprouted. The corniceGlossary Term is elaborate too, often with a decoratedGlossary Term friezeGlossary Term. The shaftGlossary Term can be plain or fluted.

The Composite Order

The CompositeGlossary Term is a more elaborate variant of the CorinthianGlossary Term. Its capitalGlossary Term has acanthusGlossary Term leaves below, spliced with IonicGlossary Term volutesGlossary Term above. It was developed by the Romans, and tends to be used to give the effect of particular richness or luxury.