Did You Know the Six Greek Architecture Columns?

When you walk on the streets of Greece, you can see that most of the Greek Architecture Columns of public buildings are built with the 6 types of columns (Doric Order，Ionic Order，Corinthian Order，Tuscan Order，Caryatids Order，Composite Order) introduced in this article. Some ancient Greek buildings have only one type, some have 2-3 types of columns, and some even have more.

The characteristics of ancient Greek columns are that they are straight from a distance, but when you look closer, they are tilted to the left or right. In addition, they are all made of natural marble, not concrete and other materials that we have seen. They have been standing there for many years.

In our OnlyArt factory, we can help you use natural marble materials, bronze, brass, or we can also make them for you with fiberglass materials, so that the weight will not be very heavy, which is convenient for transportation and decoration at home, weddings, large concerts, art festivals and other activities.

Doric Order Column

Features

The oldest and simplest column style, it originated in the 7th century BC. Doric Order Columns have no base and stand directly on the ground. The column body is thick and has 20 grooves. The capital is very simple, consisting of only a round and a square part.

Symbolism

Often used in religious buildings such as temples, it symbolizes strength and simplicity.

Ionic Order Column

Features

Originated from the coastal areas of Asia Minor, Ionic marble stone Order Column is slightly more complex than the Doric order, with a base, a slender body, and 24 grooves. The capital is decorated with volutes on both sides, which looks elegant and delicate.

Symbolism

It is often used in public and monumental buildings to symbolize beauty and elegance.

Corinthian Order Column

Features

The latest order, which began to appear in the late 5th century BC, is similar to the Ionic order, but the capitals are more ornate, often decorated with curled acanthus leaves, making them more complex and exquisite.

Symbolism

Often used in luxurious buildings and monuments, it symbolizes luxury and sophisticated beauty.

Tuscan Order Column

Features

Although the Tuscan order column is actually a Roman order, it was heavily influenced by the Doric order, so similar forms can be seen in ancient Greek architecture. It is simpler than the Doric order, usually without fluting and with a simpler capital.

Symbolism

This style of column symbolizes simplicity and practicality and is often used in more ordinary or minor architectural structures.

Caryatids Order Column

Features

Caryatids Order Column are columns designed in the form of female statues, with the shaft of the column being carved to resemble a female figure in a robe. The most famous example of a Caryatid is the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens.

Symbolism

Caryatids often symbolize grace and holiness, as well as a sense of awe and religious significance.

Composite Order Column

The Composite Order Column is an architectural column style that combines the characteristics of the Ionic and Corinthian orders. It is an innovation in ancient Roman architecture and a further development of the Greek architectural style by the Romans.

Features

Capital decoration: The capital of the Composite Order combines the acanthus leaves of the Corinthian order with the volutes of the Ionic order. This makes the capital very complex and ornate, showing a rich visual effect.

Column and base: The column of the Composite Order is usually slender, with grooves, and the overall proportions are similar to the Ionic and Corinthian orders. The base below the column is also more decorative, often with multiple layers of decorative rings.

Overall style: Compared with other column styles, the Composite Order is more luxurious and complicated, reflecting the Romans’ preference for details and decoration.

Symbolism

Luxury and power: Due to the complexity and gorgeous decoration of the Composite Order, it often symbolizes luxury, power and status. Therefore, it is often used in important and monumental buildings during the imperial period to show the splendor and greatness of the Roman Empire.

Cultural fusion: The Composite Order combines the characteristics of the two classic Greek column styles, symbolizing the Romans’ tolerance and integration of different cultural elements, and also reflecting the Roman Empire’s inheritance and development of Greek culture.

The Composite Order Column is one of the most representative innovations in ancient Roman architecture, reflecting the Romans’ unique understanding of architectural art and the improvement of their predecessors’ works.

OnlyArt Custom Greek Architecture Columns

Our OnlyArt sculpture factory can customize all ancient types of Greek Architecture Columns for you. It can be customized according to your needs. You can choose the size, color, marble material, etc. In addition to marble columns, we also have more than 5,000 marble sculptures in stock, including marble fountains, marble figures, marble busts, marble bathtubs, marble flower pots, etc. We have all the decorative marble sculptures you need, and we can help you customize them, or we have a large number of stocks for you to choose from, and then help you transport them to your door.