Patera (architecture) explained

In architecture, patera is an ornamental circular or elliptical bas-relief disc.^{[1] [2]} The patera is usually used to decorate friezes and walls, and to interrupt moldings.^[3] Patera is also used in furniture-making. It can be carved, incised, inlaid, or even painted.^{[4] [5]}

Overview

The patera is found in the ancient Roman architecture and in almost all later western styles of architecture.^[6] The patera is used both within the civil and church architecture is usually made of marble or Istrian stone. It has a variable diameter between 20 and 80 cm, while the thickness is around 10 cm. The subject represented in the bas-relief is generally of floral or animal type, but there are also figures symbolizing trades or people.^[7] Being mainly a decorative element, the patera may also perform an apotropaic function to keep away evil spirits.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Fragment of Roman frieze(?) enrichment: a patera with a floral centre . CollectionsOnline . 3 September 2019 . en.
2. Book: Saylor . Henry H. . Dictionary of Architecture . 1994 . . 9780471756019 . 128 . 3 September 2019 . en.
3. Book: Parker . John Henry . A Glossary of Terms Used in Grecian, Roman, Italian, and Gothic Architecture . 1845 . J.H. Parker . 274 . patera architecture. . 3 September 2019 . en.
4. Web site: Furniture . Mackinnon Fine . The ABCs of Decorative Arts: Patera . The Source . 3 September 2019 . en . 6 August 2019.
5. Web site: Patera and Paterae . Lynn Byrne . 28 May 2013 . 3 September 2019.
6. Web site: Patera . Buffalo as an Architectural Museum . buffaloah.com . 3 September 2019.
7. Book: Scott . Ann Reynolds . Cosa: The Black-glaze Pottery 2 . 2008 . . 9780472115853 . 62 . 3 September 2019 . en.