The necking moulding consists of a small torus and fillet.
Although the arrangement of the principal features of the Corinthian capital is horizontal, yet owing to the channelling of the leaves and the firmly springing scrolls the vertical direction appears to predominate.
This verticality emphasises the function of the capital as a supporting feature, and is æsthetically satisfactory, being in harmony with the flutings of the shaft.
[Illustration: No. 163. Corinthian Capital.]
The effect produced by the capitals of the other two orders is horizontal, and suggests the idea of binding. They are equally satisfactory as giving contrast of direction.
[Illustration: No. 164. Corinthian Capital.
Detail giving divisions of height, and profiles.]
In all the orders a square plinth is the lowest member of the base of the column. On this plinth rests a series of mouldings which follow the circular plan of the shaft. The shaft invariably terminates in a fillet, the diameter of which exceeds that of the column, and on to which the line of the shaft is carried by means of a curve.
The Doric base is extremely simple. It consists of the square plinth on which rests a torus moulding surmounted by a smaller moulding of the same section and a fillet above.
The width of the plinth is one and a third the diameter of the column, and its height a quarter diameter or half the total height of the base. The other half is made up of the large torus, the small torus and fillet. The torus moulding should be bold in projection, practically semi-circular and at the fullest part of its curvature in vertical alignment with the centres of the horizontal faces of the plinth block. The small torus and fillet are about equal in height.
The Ionic base differs from the Doric in the introduction of a hollow or scotia moulding between the two torus mouldings. Æsthetically it may be considered more satisfactory in that the strong shadow obtained by the use of the scotia produces an effect of binding which adds to the impression of strength. The type is technically known as the Attic base.
The total width is one and a third diameter.
The height of half a diameter may be divided into three. One of these divisions will give the height of the plinth, one the large torus and the fillet above it, and the other the scotia and small torus with the fillets above and below. The fillets either side of the upper torus may be in the same vertical alignment.