Description
The Charles Q. Clapp House was built in 1832 and is located at 97 Spring Street in Portland. Businessman and architect, Charles Q. Clapp, had this home built for himself. This structure boasts gabled pediments supported by cornice, frieze and architrave that create the entablature. There are five Ionic columns that brace the overhanging temple façade over the entry porch. It currently is part of the Maine College of Art campus.
Ancient Greek classical forms and proportions reinforced the American ideal of democracy, rising equality and strength. The overall style is boxy, simply lined, symmetrical and heavy. The gable end entry mimics an entrance to a temple and doorways are often seen framed with transom and sidelights. Publications of the day gave designers and builders the knowledge to recreate Greek column orders (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian), pilasters, entablatures and other classical elements.
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