Which architectural order did Vitruvius associate with a maiden?

Vitruvius, the ancient Roman architect and author of "De Architectura," associated the Ionic order with a maiden. This comparison is largely due to the aesthetic qualities of the Ionic column, which features slender proportions and scroll-like volutes that evoke a sense of grace and elegance, characteristics often associated with femininity. The Ionic order is noted for its decorative elements, including the intricate flutes and the distinctive capitals, which further enhance its delicate appearance, thus aligning it with the idea of a maiden in terms of beauty and refinement.

The other architectural orders do not carry this particular association. The Doric order is characterized by its sturdy and more simplistic design, reflecting masculine strength. The Corinthian order, while elaborately beautiful, was not the one specifically linked to the notion of a maiden by Vitruvius. The Romanesque style, being a later architectural movement, is not classified under the classical orders that Vitruvius discusses, thus it does not relate to this context.