F. B. Tarbell, A History of Ancient Greek Art

Greek Architecture

Ornaments

The extreme simplicity which characterizes the general form of a Greek building extends also to its sculptured and painted ornaments. In the Doric style these are very sparingly used; and even the Ionic style, though more luxuriant, seems reserved in comparison with the wealth of ornamental detail in a Gothic cathedral. Moreover, the Greek ornaments are simple in character. Examine again the hawk's-beak, the egg-and-dart, the leaf-and- dart, the astragal, the guilloche, the honeysuckle, the meander or fret. These are almost the only continuous patterns in use in Greek architecture. Each consists of a small number of elements recurring in unvarying order; a short section is enough to give the entire pattern. Contrast this with the string-course in the nave of the Cathedral of Amiens, where the motive of the design undergoes constant variation, no piece exactly duplicating its neighbor, or with the intricate interlacing patterns of Arabic decoration, and you will have a striking illustration of the Greek love for the finite and comprehensible.

Next Chapter: Lines

Back to the table of Contents * More online Greek Resources

Greek Forum: Post a question / Start a discussion Receive updates : Promote Greek Learning

Reference address : http://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/ancient-greece/history-of-ancient-greek-art-14.asp