Layout of the Corinthian Entablature
The Corinthian Entablature
With a height of 2 D, the Corinthian entablature, along with the Composite, is the tallest entablature of the orders. Both architrave and frieze are D high, and the cornice is 1 D high with a projection of 1 D from the face of the entablature.
The top of the cornice has a cyma recta followed by a smaller cyma recta. A corona, or fascia, sits below these moldings and is set back slightly more than 1/6 D from the outer projection of the cornice. The modillions or brackets visually support the corona. Each modillion at 1/5 D high by 2/9 D wide is 4/6 D on center with the next modillion. A small cyma reversa one sixth of the height of the modillion caps each bracket and returns around the fascia separating the modillions. The side elevation of the modillion shows a 5/12 projection for the bracket as well as its double scroll and acanthus leaf in profile.
Like the Ionic order, the bed mold of the Ionic order consists of an ovolo, dentils, and cyma reversa. The dentils also follow the same dimensions and spacing as the Ionic; each dentil is 1/6 D high by 1/9 D wide with 1/18 D between each dentil.
The frieze may be plain or ornamented. It is followed by an architrave with three bands. From top to bottom the bands decrease in width. The upper band is crowned with a projecting cymatium consisting of a fillet, cyma reversa, and small bead. The lowest band is in line with the upper diameter of the column.
Text: Martin Brandwein
Rendering: M. Gunnison Collins