Tympanum (architecture) explained

A tympanum (: tympana; from Greek and Latin words meaning "drum") is the semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance, door or window, which is bounded by a lintel and an arch.[1] It often contains pedimental sculpture or other imagery or ornaments.[2] Many architectural styles include this element.[3]

Alternatively, the tympanum may hold an inscription, or in modern times, a clock face.

History

In ancient Greek, Roman and Church architecture, tympana of religious buildings often contain pedimental sculpture or mosaics with religious imagery.[4] A tympanum over a doorway is very often the most important, or only, location for monumental sculpture on the outside of a building. In classical architecture and in classicizing styles from the Renaissance onwards, prominent examples are usually triangular; in Romanesque architecture, tympana more often have a semi-circular shape or that of a thinner slice from the top of a circle, and in Gothic architecture they have a more vertical shape, coming to a point at the top. These shapes naturally influence the typical compositions of any sculpture within the tympanum.

The upper portion of a gable when enclosed with a horizontal belt course, is also termed a tympanum.

Bands of molding surrounding the tympanum are called the archivolt.[5]

In medieval French architecture, the tympanum is often supported by a decorated pillar called a trumeau.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Glossary - Tympanum. Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent. 2007-06-28. 2012-03-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20120306200130/http://www.indoarch.org/arch_glossary.php. live.
  2. Web site: Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture - tympanum. University of Pittsburgh. 2007-06-23. 2018-01-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20180116225435/http://www.pitt.edu/~medart/menuglossary/tympanum.htm. live.
  3. Web site: Illustrated Architecture Dictionary - Tympanum. www.buffaloah.com. 2014-04-12. 2014-06-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20140622020938/http://www.buffaloah.com/a/DCTNRY/t/tym.html. live.
  4. Web site: Tympanum. www.OntarioArchitecture.com. 2007-06-25. 2018-02-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032519/http://www.ontarioarchitecture.com/tympanum.htm. live.
  5. Web site: Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture - archivolt. University of Pittsburgh. 2007-06-23. 2018-01-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20180113120713/http://www.pitt.edu/~medart/menuglossary/archivolt.htm. live.