Layout of the Composite Capital
The Composite Capital: Part II
The Composite capital, as its name implies, exhibits both characteristics of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals. The lower 4/6 D of the capital has two rows of acanthus leaves like the Corinthian. Each pair of caulicoli at the second tier of leaves terminates in a small flower or bud which faces each other. The astragal and echinus with its egg and dart sit between the bud and abacus. Three eggs are visible on each side of the capital. Large volutes appear to spring from the top of the echinus and sit under the horn of each abacus. From the bottom of the abacus, the volutes extend down 2/6 D to rest on the second tier of leaves. Sprigs of honeysuckle grow out from the fillet of the volute to fill in the space next to the egg and dart. Between each volute above the echinus is a fleuron which tends to be leafier in character than the Corinthian version.
Text: Martin Brandwein
Rendering: M. Gunnison Collins