Classical Architecture in the Cemetery - Greek Columns

Believe it or not, in this day and age, some of the most impressive examples of classical Greek architecture are readily found in the cemetery. In fact every photo in this blog was taken in a single cemetery. Do you know what you are looking at when you view one of these impressive mausoleums?

Here is a basic Greek Architecture Primer for the cemetery enthusiast.

The ancient Greeks were primarily known for two main types of structures. The temple and the theater. The height of their building reign consisted from 900 BC to about 1'st century AD, although elements of the design has remained consistently through the ages in Italy.

Not just for mausoleums, here we see a monument showing Greek influence.

 The architectural style can be broken down into three orders, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. You will see examples of all three used frequently in the modern mausoleum design. Oddly enough, you will not see these styles used in funerary use from the same time period in Greece. The ancient Greeks did not allow burials within city limits. Graves were found along the sides of roads leading into cities and consisted of rock piles. 

The use of Greek architecture reappeared during different time periods around the world. The first revival was during the Renaissance period. Again it emerged during the mid 18'th century during the Neoclassical movement. Here in the U.S. between the late 1800's to the turn of the 19'th century, architects became smitten with the clean lines and column of  Greece during the age of Greek Revival.  This is the time period you see most often represented in our American cemeteries.

Examples of the three style orders.

 As you can see by the diagram to the left, there are many parts to the post and lintel design attributed to Greek architecture. So complicated was their understanding of engineering, they used mathematical formulas that could compensate for optical illusions.. In an age without equipment which used internal combustion engines or precision lazer  tools they created some of the most enduring buildings in human history.

Me? I'm lucky if I can hang 2 pictures and get them straight.

 We'll keep this simple and focus primarily on the choice of column designs.

 
The Doric Order

Arguable the most simple and least decorative example of the Greek columns. A circular cushion rises from the top of the column to the square abacus on which rest the lintels. They are also graced by fluted columns. The columns end at the bottom straight, with no further adornment.

A refinement of the Doric Column is the entasis, a gentle convex swelling to the profile of the column, which prevents an optical illusion of concavity. 

The Ionic Order

Represented by voluted capital, in which a curved echinus (or molding) of similar shape to that of the Doric Order, but decorated with stylized ornament, is surmounted by a horizontal band that scrolls under to either side, forming spirals or volutes similar to those of the nautilus shell or ram's horn. The base is finished off in simple molding.

The Corinthian Order

The latest style in Greek column design and the most ornate. Characterized by rows of acanthus leaves above which rose voluted tendrils, supporting the corners of the abacus. The acanthus leaf is a common element in funerary design and the topic of an upcoming blog.

According to legend, the capital was invented by a bronze founder, Callimarchus of Corinth, who took his inspiration from a basket of offerings that had been placed on a grave, with a flat tile on top to protect the goods. The basket had been placed on the root of an acanthus plant which had grown up around it.

 

The Greek influence is everywhere in the cemetery! On your next visit look around and see how many of the three styles you can find.