EDWARD ROOKER, British, died 1774;
after WILLIAM CHAMBERS, English,
of Scottish descent, 1723-1796
The Composite Order
in Treatise on Civil Architecture, London
engraving, 1759
Lent by UNC-CH's Rare Book Collection

Architectural treatises like this one included both theory and illustrations and are part of a long tradition that began with the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius. During the eighteenth century over 700 architectural books were published in England, including both treatises and pattern books. Their illustrations have a strict linear precision that shows the architect’s drafting skills. This style is in marked contrast to the fantasies of Giovanni Battista Piranesi from the same time period.   

Chambers, who drew his own illustrations, was a founding member of the British Royal Academy and was considered the dean of his profession. His treatise was very successful and became the standard English architectural text.

This image depicts the Composite Order, one of five standard types of column construction developed in antiquity.

Art McLendon