What is a capital? This is a fragment of architecture with a centuries-old past

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Your friend has finally returned from a trip and, of course, is ready to share his indelible impressions of the trip with joy. You are interested? Still would! Not every day you hear exciting stories about the mysterious fauna of the tropics or the beauty of ancient capitals. Capital? What else is this?” - flashes in your head. But you do not dare to ask a friend what the tricky word means. And it is not surprising, because not everyone can muster up the courage and show off their gaps in knowledge. Well, perhaps we all at least once found ourselves in a similar situation, and there is nothing wrong with that. Therefore, share his enchanting discoveries with a friend, and we will tell you about what a capital is.

Monumental architecture

You may be surprised, but capitals often surround you in everyday life, you just have to look a little. The capital is the brainchild of great ancient architecture. It is difficult to say how in ancient China or Rome, people who did not have equipment and special equipment could build such complex monumental buildings. But they not only survived to this day, but are also able to amaze with their majestic beauty.the beauty of even the most sophisticated contemporary architect.

The capital is the upper part of the column, which is the connecting element between the horizontal vault and the column itself. Often such an element is also used in the crowning part of racks or pilasters. The shape, size and ornament of such products can be completely different, from the most modest and discreet to incredibly complex and majestic. You've probably seen these before.

They are not just beautiful

At first glance, it may seem that the capital is just a decoration of the column. But it is not so. This part of the building carries a very important functional purpose. Having the shape of a trapezoid, expanding upwards, the capital increased the area of contact of the ceiling beam with the column itself, taking on the main load. Thanks to such a reliable support, the columns received better stability, and the upper vaults did not collapse under the weight of a huge weight.

Depending on when the building was erected and by whom, the capital itself was significantly different. The architecture of each nation and time carried its own specific style and architectural order. Elements were made from different materials, such as wood or stone.

Different kinds

Of course, time has left its mark on architecture. Tastes, fashion and style of buildings changed, thanks to which various types of capitals appeared. To date, there are several main ones:

• Tuscan (most modest);
• Doric (enoughsimple);
• ionic (medium difficulty);
• Corinthian (the most intricate).

Peculiar views appeared in ancient Mexico, Japan and even in Slavic architecture. Often they were of mixed type, combining classics with local ornaments, emphasizing their particular style.

Capitals today

Capitals are just as popular in modern life. These elements often decorate the facades of buildings or any spacious rooms that have columns. And yes, it is they who are a kind of distinguishing mark. If there is a capital, then this is a column, if not, then an ordinary column.

Capitals play an important role not only in the construction of houses. Many designers have taken the idea and started decorating almost anything with them. You can find lighting fixtures in the form of capitals, and some furniture and decor items have even acquired them. The main task is, of course, aesthetic, such an element gives the products luxury and its own certain charm.

Our contemporaries most often use carved capitals made of wood, stone or mold them from clay and other materials. Modern construction rarely uses capitals to support ceiling beams, we have learned how to build sufficiently strong structures without them. Basically, such elements are used to decorate interiors or street facades.

Now you know exactly what a capital is, where it came from and how it is used. Perhaps soon you, as well asand your friend will be lucky to see the majestic luxury of Byzantine architecture and the progenitors of all modern capitals.