Appearance and Essence

Refinements of Classical Architecture--Curvature

Edited by Lothar Haselberger

Book cover: Appearance and Essence

Extent: 346 pages

Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Museum

Subjects: Architecture, Art & Art History, Classical Studies

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(January 2000)

ISBN: 9780924171765

8.46 x 10.98 inches

Price: $75.00

On back order

Proceedings of the second Williams Symposium look at the secrets of classical refinement, particularly curvature. International experts discuss these architectural subtleties, from technical observations to perception and art theory. Illustrated and comprehensive, it explores why classical architecture is considered perfect since the Renaissance.


The proceedings of the second Williams Symposium explore the phenomenon of curvature, together with other such “secrets” of classical refinement. Debated ever since the Renaissance, these stunning architectural subtleties are treated here for the first time in a combined effort of international experts. Ranging from painstaking new technical observations to the wider issues of perception and art theory, this well-illustrated volume demonstrates why classical architecture was-and still is-deemed to be perfect.

  • Edited by Lothar Haselberger