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Tuscan Order

The Tuscan order is one of the five orders of classical architecture, the others being the Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite orders. The Tuscan order is known for its simplicity and solidity compared to the other orders.

The Tuscan order is similar to the Doric order, which is the oldest and simplest of the Greek orders. However, there are several key differences between the two. Tuscan columns are typically smoother and more slender than Doric columns. They also stand on a simple base, while Doric columns typically rest directly on the stylobate, or floor of the temple.

Tuscan order has the following key characteristics:

  1. Capital: The capital, or topmost part of the column, is plain without any kind of decoration.
  2. Shaft: The shaft of the column is simple and unfluted (smooth), unlike the fluted (grooved) shafts of the other orders.
  3. Base: Unlike the Doric order, the Tuscan order includes a base at the bottom of the column. The base consists of a square plinth (lower square slab) and a circular torus (upper bulging section).
  4. Entablature: The entablature, or horizontal part that sits above the columns, is divided into three parts - the architrave (lower part), frieze (middle part), and cornice (upper part). The architrave is plain, the frieze is typically unadorned, and the cornice has simple moulding.

The Tuscan order was relatively uncommon in Greece and its colonies but became more popular in Rome, especially in Roman domestic architecture. It's appreciated for its simplicity and modesty, providing a robust and less ornate style that can be suitable for various uses. Today, it is frequently used in modern architecture when a simple, dignified order is required.

The Tuscan order is often associated with the architect Vitruvius, who included it in his influential work "De Architectura", although he did not distinguish it as a separate order but rather as a simplified version of the Doric order.