Corinthische

Corinthische refers to the Corinthian order in classical architecture and, more broadly, to anything associated with Corinth, an ancient Greek city-state. In architectural history, the term denotes the most ornate of the three classical orders, alongside the Doric and Ionic.

The Corinthian order developed in Corinth in the 5th century BCE and soon became a standard for grand design in both Greek and Roman buildings. Its defining feature is the capital, which is elaborately decorated with acanthus leaves and small volutes. The columns are typically fluted and more slender than those of the Doric order, resting on a decorated base. The overall proportions and ornamentation convey a graceful, elaborate aesthetic that contrasts with the sturdier Doric and the simpler Ionic.

In practice, the Corinthian order was widely employed in temples, public buildings, and interiors, especially in late Classical and Roman architecture. Roman builders expanded and systematized the style, and it later influenced Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture. In modern usage, Corinthische elements often appear in decorative programs that seek to evoke classical antiquity, or in scholarly discussions of architectural orders. Related expressions include the Composite order, which blends Corinthian with Ionic features, and various regional adaptations found in later architectural revivals.