Bearers of Meaning: The Classical Orders in Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance

John Onians provides a lively illustrated account of the range of meanings that western culture has assigned to the Classical orders of columns and capitals. Onians shows that during the two thousand years from their first appearance in ancient Greece through their codification in Renaissance Italy, the orders were made to serve expressive purposes, engaging the viewer in a continuing visual dialogue. Bearers of Meaning offers a much-needed overview of the history of architectural theory as an inseparable twin of architectural practice and a vital element in the European intellectual tradition.Onians, John is the author of 'Bearers of Meaning: The Classical Orders in Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance', published 1990 under ISBN 9780521398480 and ISBN 0521398487.