18th Century Architectural Model of a Doric Column

An extremely rare and exquisite, Grand Tour-inspired architectural model of a classical column, representing the Roman Doric order of architecture. England, third quarter of 18th century.

Why we like it

Exquisitely carved from the best mahogany and having accents picked out in gold, this extremely rare survival from the golden age of Classical architecture in Britain was perhaps intended for an architect's office, or for a study of a gentleman architect, such as Lord Burlington (1694–1753), who was famously known as the "Apollo of the Arts" and the "Architect Earl". Such exquisite and decorative objects were copied from ancient Greek and Roman originals, that aspiring architects could see and draw during their 'Grand Tour' in Italy, Greece, Ottoman Empire and etc.

The only other comparable example of such rare objects that we came across was a set of three columns, previously owned by the late Sir Albert Richardson (1880–1964), architect, historian, writer, artist, teacher and sometime President of the Royal Academy –  sold by Christie’s London, 19 September 2013, lot 173 (£13,750). A comparable delicacy of the carving, in the manner of the 'St. Martin's Lane circle', suggests that our columns were very likely made by the same master-craftsman.

An equally exquisite model column of a Corinthian order is available too.

The Doric and the Corinthian orders are called the canonic orders of classical architecture.

Originating in the western Doric region of Greece, it is the earliest and, in its essence, the simplest of the orders, though still with complex details in the entablature above. In his monumental The Ten Books on Architecture, Vitruvius, who was an architect and architectural historian of the age of Augustus, associates the Doric order with the masculine proportions: 'the Doric column, as used in buildings, ... exhibits the proportions, strength, and beauty of the body of a man'. On finding that a man's foot measured one sixth of the height, the ancients applied the same principle to the column. In contrast, the Corinthian order, with its delicate features and profuse ornamentation, is associated with youthful femininity, 'an imitation of the slenderness of a maiden', according to Vitruvius. He relates a touching story of a young Corinthian girl, whose life was cut short by a sudden death. 

Before Greek Revival architecture grew, initially in England, in the 18th century, the Greek or elaborated Roman Doric order had not been very widely used, though "Tuscan" types of round capitals were always popular, especially in less formal buildings. The first engraved illustrations of the Greek Doric order dated to the mid-18th century. Its appearance in the new phase of Classicism brought with it new connotations of high-minded primitive simplicity, seriousness of purpose, noble sobriety. In Germany it suggested a contrast with the French, and in the United States republican virtues. In a customs house, Doric suggested incorruptibility; in a Protestant church a Doric porch promised a return to an untainted early church; it was equally appropriate for a library, a bank or a trustworthy public utility.

Dimensions

Height: 27.5 in / 70 cm
Base: 9.75 in / 24.5 cm square