The Origins of the Greek Architectural Orders

Barletta's study examines the writings of ancient authors and those of modern interpreters in an effort to reconcile the two sources.

Barbara A. Barletta (Author)

9780521124225, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 September 2009

234 pages
25.3 x 17.7 x 1.3 cm, 0.49 kg

'Barletta has made a significant contribution in this book, one that has most definitely enhanced the debate on the origins of the Greek architectural orders.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Much of our understanding of the origins and early development of the Greek architectural order is based on the writings of ancient authors, such as Vitruvius, and those of modern interpreters. Traditionally, the archaeological evidence has been viewed secondarily and often made to fit within a literary context, despite contradictions that occur. Barbara Barletta's study examines both forms of evidence in an effort to reconcile the two sources, as well as to offer a coherent reconstruction of the origins and early development of the Greek architectural orders. Beginning with the pre-canonical material, she demonstrates that the relatively late emergence of the Doric and Ionic orders arose from contributions of separate regions of the Greek world, rather than a single center. Barletta's reinterpretation of the evidence also assigns greater importance to the often overlooked contributions of Western Greece and the Cycladic Islands.

1. The literary evidence
2. The archaeological evidence: proto-geometric through the seventh century BC
3. The emergence of the Doric 'Order'
4. The emergence of the Ionic 'Order'
5. The origins of the orders: reality and theory
Conclusions: interpretation and implications.

Subject Areas: Archaeology by period / region [HDD], Archaeology [HD], Art treatments & subjects [AG], Art forms [AF], History of art / art & design styles [AC], Theory of art [ABA]