The Classical Architectural Orders: Doric

Here we examine the oldest of the Classical architectural orders, the Doric Order.

The Doric order of Classical architecture is the earliest of the three main orders, the otehrs being Ionic and Corinthian. It first appeared in the 7th century B.C., and reached its artistic peak in the 5th century B.C.

The Doric order is characterized by columns that rest directly on the stylobate, or platform, of the temple with no base. The columns were fluted (grooves were carved into the column vertically to resemble thin lines). The column capital was smooth and flared up and slightly out to meet an abacus (a square slab). Triglyphs sat above the columns. These were vertical channels carved in groups of 3 , and centered above each column, The triglyphs were separated by square areas known as metopes.

The Hephaisteion, located just outside the Athenian Agora, is an ideal example of the Doric Order. And the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis, while mostly considered to be an Ionic temple, features many Doric elements as well.

Visit Art History at Suite101 for more information!