Classical Influence
British architecture in the early years of the 19th century was heavily influenced by principles, styles and shapes originating in ancient Greek and Roman buildings. This influence is widely visible in many of Sydney’s nineteenth century buildings, both in their proportions and in features such as Doric, Ionian and Corinthian columns and pilasters, and triangular pediments above doors and windows. The early colonial architecture was characterised by a restrained use of classical features – for example, plain Doric columns rather than the fluted Corinthian style with intricately carved capitals.
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