What is an entasis in Greek architecture?
What is an entasis in Greek architecture?
entasis, in architecture, the convex curve given to a column, spire, or similar upright member, in an attempt to correct the optical illusion of hollowness or weakness that would arise from normal tapering. Entasis is also occasionally found in Gothic spires and in the smaller Romanesque columns.
Why did Greek architects use entasis?
Entasis – Entasis was used by the Greeks while building monuments to correct optical illusions. Entasis is Greek for swelling or tension and relates to a convex curve incorporated into upright structures like columns and spires, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
What is the function of entasis?
Architectural experts generally agree: Entasis is the “swelling given to a column in the middle parts of the shaft for the purpose of correcting a disagreeable optical illusion, which is found to cause their outlines to seem concave instead of straight”- Penrose (1888).
Who invented entasis?
The first use of entasis is probably in the Later Temple of Aphaia at Aigina, in the 490s B.C., and it is most often seen in Doric temples built by the Ancient Greeks and in Renaissance buildings. The Doric order is the oldest, simplest, and most preferred style in mainland Greece and southern Italy, including Sicily.
What does the term entasis mean?
slight convexity
Definition of entasis : a slight convexity especially in the shaft of a column.
Which of the following describes entasis?
Entasis is an architectural style that features curvature of columns, doorways, supports, or walls. The style emphasizes a convex curve shape, meaning that the body of the structure appears to bulge or bend outwards. Paradoxically, then, curving columns or supports actually give an illusion of straightness.
Did the Romans use entasis?
It is thought that the application of entasis also created a greater illusion of strength and height. The word entasis derives from the Greek word ‘εντενω’ (enteino – to stretch or make taut) and the term is believed to have been first used by the Roman military architect Vitruvius (c. 80-15BC).
What are the Triglyphs meant to represent?
Triglyphs are an aesthetic feature of Doric temples that do not serve any function besides design. The triglyph is meant to represent the end of a wooden beam, which would have supported the weight of the roof in pre-historic Greek buildings.
Are Greek columns straight?
Additional refinements in the Parthenon include the slight inward leaning of all the columns in the Doric colonnade surrounding the building. Meanwhile, the columns themselves are not straight along their vertical axes, but swell in their middles.
What are Triglyphs meant to represent?
How do you draw Entasis of a column?
Draw the centre line of the column a – b and divide this into, say, six equal parts. Draw horizontal lines through these points. Make c – d the diameter at the lower end and e – f the diameter at the top. Draw the semi-circle c – d and drop a vertical line from f to give 6 on the semi-circle.
Why are Greek columns fluted?
Fluting promotes a play of light on a column which helps the column appear more perfectly round than a smooth column. As a strong vertical element it also has the visual effect of minimizing any horizontal joints. Greek architects viewed rhythm as an important design element.
