The Ionic Order
The Ionic Order is one of the three classical Greek orders. The columns of the Ionic order have fillets (narrow bands) between each flute. Ionic capitals have a distinguishable set of scrolls. Because an Ionic capital looked different from where one was standing, Greek architects decided to bend the corner scrolls outward at a 45 degree angle. The result was a variation on the original Ionic capital, the Greek Angular Ionic.
The Scamozzi Capital is another capital that has 45 degree scrolls. This capital was named after the Italian architect, Vincenzo Scamozzi, who frequently used the capital on his buildings. Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola was the first person to classify the rules of classical architecture, and it was he who added the Attic Base to the Ionic order. The Empire and Greek Erectheum capitals also fit into the Ionic Order.
The Doric Order
The Doric Order is one of the three classical Greek Orders. It is similar to the Tuscan Order but is more decorative. The Doric was used frequently by the Greeks from about the seventh century B.C. to the second century B. C. While the original Greek column of this order has no base, the Romans later added one.
The Roman Doric ornamental capital is a popular choice.
The Corinthian Order
The Corinthian Order is one of the three classical Greek orders. The Attic Base and fluted column are part of this order, which makes it similar to the Ionic Order . The capital of the Corinthian Order is very different from that of the Ionic Order. It has two rows of acanthus leaves and four small scrolls beneath the corners of the abacus. See the Roman Corinthian capital.
The Composite Order
The Composite Order and the Tuscan Order were both developed by the Romans. The volutes of the angular Ionic capitals were added to the acanthus leafage of the Corinthian capitals. The Attic Base is another component of this order.