PEDESTAL

, in Architecture, the lowest part of an order of columns; being that which sustains the column, and serves it as a foot to stand upon. It is a square body or dye, with a cornice and base.

The proportions and ornaments of the Pedestal are different in the different orders. Vignola indeed, and most of the moderns, make the Pedestal, and its ornaments, in all the orders, one third of the height of the column, including the base and capital. But some deviate from this rule.

Perrault makes the proportions of the three constituent parts of Pedestals, the same in all the orders; viz, the base one fourth of the Pedestal; the cornice an eighth part; and the foele or plinth of the base, two thirds of the base itself. The height of the dye is what remains of the whole height of the Pedestal.

The Tuscan Pedestal is the simplest and lowest of all; frõm 3 to 5 modules high. It has only a plinth for its base, and an astragal crowned for its cornice.

The Doric Pedestal is made 4 or 5 modules in height, by the moderns; for no ancient columns, of this order, are found with any Pedestal, or even with any base.

The Ionic Pedestal is from 5 to 7 modules high.

The Corinthian Pedestal is the richest and most delicate of all, and is from 4 to 7 modules high.

The Composite Pedestal is of 6 or 7 modules in height.

Square Pedestal, is one whose breadth and height are equal.

Double Pedestal, is that which supports two columns, being broader than it is high.

Continued Pedestal, is that which supports a row of columns without any break or interruption.

Pedestals of Statues, are those serving to support figures or statues.