Drawing an ancient Greek temple is an exercise in understanding the foundational principles of classical architecture. To capture the essence of these structures, you must focus on the interplay of geometry, proportion, and the distinct orders that define their character. This guide moves beyond simple outlining to explore the structural logic that makes these buildings timeless, providing you with the skills to render them with historical accuracy and artistic confidence.
Understanding the Three Classical Orders
Before putting pencil to paper, it is essential to distinguish between the three primary architectural orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Each order dictates the style of the columns, capitals, and entablature, forming the visual identity of the temple. The Doric order is the simplest and most robust, featuring a plain capital and a sturdy fluted shaft. The Ionic order is more slender and elegant, recognized by its scrolled volutes and a more decorative base. The Corinthian order, the most ornate, is defined by its elaborate capital adorned with acanthus leaves, often used in later Hellenistic structures.
Decoding Proportion and Entablature
Greek architecture is governed by strict mathematical ratios, ensuring harmony and balance. A common mistake is to draw columns that are too long or too short for the height of the entablature. Typically, the height of the entablature (the structure resting on the columns) is approximately half the height of the column itself. The entablature is divided into three parts: the architrave (the lowest section), the frieze (often decorated with triglyphs and metopes in the Doric order), and the cornice (the projecting top section that throws a shadow).
Constructing the Foundation and Platform
Most Greek temples were built on a stepped platform known as the stylobate, which elevates the structure and provides a stable base. To draw this, start with a horizontal line for the ground level, then add two or three ascending rectangular steps. The temple itself usually sits within a defined perimeter, so sketch a rectangle to represent the perimeter walls, or pteroma. Remember that the corners of the temple are often slightly curved, a technique called entasis, which prevents the illusion of concavity. Keep these lines light, as they are the framework upon which the detailed superstructure will be built.
The Logic of Column Placement
The number of columns across the front (and back) of the temple follows specific naming conventions. A "tetrastyle" temple has four columns, "hexastyle" has six, and "octastyle" has eight. For a standard hexastyle design, visualize the front facade as having six vertical divisions. The corner columns (antae) are often set slightly inward and capped with an anta capital, while the free-standing columns between them support the architrave. Pay attention to the spacing; the gaps between columns are usually equal to the diameter of the column at the base.
Rendering the Columns and Capitals
With the layout established, focus on the detail of the columns. Draw the shaft with a gentle taper, wider at the bottom and narrowing toward the top, to counteract the visual illusion of the column bulging. Add the vertical flutes, which are shallow, vertical grooves running the length of the shaft. When drawing the capital, refer back to the order you selected. A Doric echinus is a smooth, cushion-like shape, while an Ionic capital features the signature volutes that resemble ram’s horns. The Corinthian capital is the most complex, requiring careful depiction of the overlapping leaves and scrolls.
Completing the Roof and Pediments
Finally, you must address the roof, which in Greek architecture is typically a double-pitched structure. Draw a triangle at each end of the temple to form the pediment. In the Archaic period, these spaces were often filled with sculptures, but for a structural drawing, a solid triangle is sufficient. The roof lines should be sharp and definitive, meeting the top of the architrave. To add the finishing touch, sketch the akroteria—the decorative statues mounted on the corners and apex of the pediments—which completes the dramatic silhouette of the temple against the sky.
