The · Geometry · And · Optics Of Ancient · Architecture Illustrated · By · Examples · From Thebes · Athens · And · Rome. By John · Pennethorne · Esq. Assisted · In · The · Drawing · And · Colouring ·Of · The · Plates And · In · The · Arrangement · Of · The · Text By John · Robinson Architect.
London · And · Edinburgh:: Published · By · Williams · And · Norgate. -, MDCCCLXXVIII.
Physical Description
[4], xvi, 249, [1] p., [55] pl.: illus.; 561 mm.
General Note
The [55] plates carry plate-numbers, in six sequences: 1:1-5; 2: 1-8; 3: 1-5; 4:1-16; 5: 1-11, 11A, 12-15; 6:1-5. Twelve plates are double.
Contents
[Half-t., t.p.] - Preface - Contents - [Text and plates].
Responsibility Note
All plates are signed as drawn by John Robinson and lithographed by C.F. Kell.
The printer is named on the verso of the title page: 'Lithographed and Printed by C.F. Kell, at No. 8, Castle Street, Holborn, London.'
Summary Note
Here Pennethorne argues that ancient Greek architects first designed their buildings in what they regarded as a harmonious geometry and then modified the dimensions in accordance with the perspective within which they would be seen. This notion that ancient Greek buildings were designed to be seen only from specific points of vantage has not won general acceptance.
The work is presented in six sections: 1. First Given Proportions (including projections and position); 2. Apparent Proportions (mainly with reference to Athenian buildings but also referring to Aegina and Priene); 3. The Curves Of Horizontal Lines (observed facts, and calculation); 4. The Columns (their origin and proportion, application of conic sections to design, capitals and bases, curved outline, fluting and inclination of shafts); 5. The Ornaments, The Mouldings, And The Entablatures (including sculpture, paintings, inscriptions, spiral ornaments); 6. Roman Architecture (especially Corinthian columns and entablatures).
Twelve plates are printed wholly or partly in colour (I: 1, 2; 4: 2; 5: 1-3, 7, 8, 11A, 12, 13).
Reproductions
A microfilm version was made in 1999 (London: British Library).
Provenance
The verso of the front free endpaper is inscribed in pencil, 'JEH', i.e. John Evan Hodgson, librarian of the Royal Academy 1882-95. Purchased for the RA Library in 1879 (see RA Annual Report for 1879, p. 46).
Binding Note
19th-century half red morocco, green cloth-covered boards, upper cover lettered 'The · Geometry · And · Optics Of Ancient · Architecture.'; spine lettered 'The Geometry And Optics Of Ancient Architecture - Pennethorne.'
Subject
Architecture, Greek - Architecture, Roman - Temples - Public buildings - Greece - Rome - History
Geometry - Optical correction - Perspective - Proportion - Greece - History
Art history - Great Britain - 19th century
Pictorial works - Lithographs - Chromolithographs - Great Britain - 19th century