Your friend has finally returned from a trip and, of course, is ready to share his indelible impressions of the trip with pleasure. 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. “The capital? What is this yet? ”- flashes in your head. But to ask a friend what does a tricky word mean, you do not dare. And it’s not surprising, because not everyone can be courageous and show off their knowledge gaps. Well, perhaps all of us have at least once been in a similar situation, and there is nothing wrong with that. Therefore, share with his friend his enchanting discoveries, but we will talk about what a capital is.
Monumental architecture
You may be surprised, but capitals often surround you in ordinary life, you only need to take a closer look. 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 are not only preserved to this day, but they are also able to impress with their magnificent beauty even the most sophisticated modern architect.
The capital is the top of the column, which is the connecting element between the horizontal arch 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 have probably already seen similar ones.
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 structure carries a very important functional purpose. Having the shape of a trapezoid, expanding upward, the capital increased the area of contact of the ceiling beam with the column itself, taking on the main load. Thanks to such reliable support, the columns received better stability, and the upper arches did not collapse under the weight of enormous weight.
Depending on what time the building was erected and by whom, the capital itself was significantly different. The architecture of each people and time carried its own specific style and architectural order. Elements were made of different materials, such as wood or stone.
Different kinds
Of course, time left its mark on architecture. The tastes, fashion and style of buildings changed, due to which various types of capitals appeared. To date, there are several main ones:
- Tuscan (the most modest);
- Doric (fairly simple);
- ionic (medium difficulty);
- Corinthian (the most intricate).
Peculiar species appeared in ancient Mexico, Japan, and even in Slavic architecture. Often they were of a mixed type, combining classics with local ornaments, emphasizing their specific style.
Capitals today
Capitals are popular in modern life no less. These elements often adorn the facades of buildings or any spacious rooms in which there are columns. And yes, it is they who are a kind of distinctive sign. If there is a capital, then this is a column, if not, then an ordinary pillar.
Capitals play an important role not only in the construction of houses. Many designers adopted the idea and began to decorate with them almost anything. You can find lighting in the form of capitals, and they even acquired some furniture and decor items. The main task is, of course, aesthetic, such an element gives the products luxury and their own specific charm.
Our contemporaries most often use carved capitals made of wood, stone or fashion them from clay and other materials. Modern construction rarely uses capitals to maintain ceiling beams, we have learned to erect fairly 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 as your friend, will be lucky to see the magnificent luxury of Byzantine architecture and the ancestors of all modern capitals.