Corinthian Capital (Original)

Some History and Background

It was constructed as “hypaethral” or partially open to the sky and home to the local God. The Olympieion was designed by a Roman Architect and hence the Capitals were Corinthian in design having typical Greek leaf embellishments.

My sketch shows a few of these leaves as incomplete given the damage suffered when the temple was itself smashed. I then highlighted the whole with pen and ink and completed it with a wash of light ochre and shading of lamp black.

Greek Architecture has been a particular interest for me since school. The pure design and the finishing are of particular interest. I feel privileged to have been able to draw and paint these throughout my life.

The overall length of the Capital is some 2600mm and some 1830mm high, giving an idea of the work undertaken to produce and move such an impressive piece.