Doric Order Details c. 1875

Louis Sullivan made this drawing of Doric Order Details, with pen and ink on paper. A classical order refers to an established assemblage of parts, each precisely related to the others. The drawing shows how architecture relies on systems of proportion, and the kind of work it takes to manifest them. Notice all the drafting lines, the meticulous indications of measurement. The act of drawing itself becomes a demonstration of precision. The design appears not as an act of pure genius, but painstaking labor. The drawing is meant to stand in for a three-dimensional reality. The finished architectural elements would have been made of stone or plaster, and installed by skilled tradespeople. This brings up the question of ornament. The Doric Order, as rendered by Sullivan, is heavily embellished, even though it’s known as the simplest of the classical styles. Considering the amount of work involved in the production process invites us to consider the social context, and value the contributions of all involved, including the craftsman.