Pediment
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| + | A '''pediment''' is an element in [[classical architecture|classical]], [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]] and [[baroque]] architecture, and derivatives therefrom, consisting of a [[gable]], originally of a triangular shape, placed above the horizontal structure of the ([[entablature]]), typically supported by [[column]]s. The [[Tympanum (architecture)|tympanum]], or triangular area within the pediment, was often decorated with [[relief]] [[sculpture]] depicting scenes from Greek and Roman [[mythology]] or allegorical figures. | ||
| - | A '''pediment''' is a [[classical architecture|classical architectural]] element consisting of the triangular section found above the horizontal structure ([[entablature]]), typically supported by [[column]]s. The [[gable]] end of the pediment is surrounded by the [[cornice]] [[moulding (decorative)|moulding]]. The [[Tympanum (architecture)|tympanum]], or triangular area within the pediment, was often decorated with [[sculpture]]s and [[relief]]s demonstrating scenes of Greek and Roman [[mythology]] or allegorical figures. It also consisted of many bright colours suitable to the nature of the building being adorned. | + | ==History== |
| + | The pediment is found in classical [[Greek temple]]s, renaissance, and neoclassical architecture. A prominent example is the [[Parthenon]], where it contains a tympanum decorated with figures in relief sculpture. This [[Architectural elements|architectural element]] was developed in the [[Ancient Greek architecture|architecture of ancient Greece]]. In [[Ancient Rome]], the [[Renaissance]], and later [[historicism (art)|architectural revivals]], the pediment was used as a non-structural element over [[window]]s, [[door]]s and [[aedicule]]s. | ||
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| + | A variant is the "segmental" or "arch" pediment, where the normal angular slopes of the cornice are replaced by one in the form of a segment of a circle, in the manner of a depressed arch. Both traditional and segmental pediments have "broken" and "open" forms. In the '''broken pediment''' the raking cornice is left open at the apex. | ||
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| + | The '''open pediment''' is open along the base – often used in [[Georgian architecture]]. A further variant is the "Swan-necked" pediment, where the raking cornice is in the form of two S-shaped [[Bracket (architecture)|brackets]]. The decorations in the tympanum frequently extend through these openings, in the form of "[[Alto-relievo]]" sculpture, "[[Tondo (Art)|tondo]]" paintings, mirrors or windows. These forms were adopted in [[Mannerist#Mannerist architecture|Mannerist architecture]], and applied to [[furniture]] designed by [[Thomas Chippendale]]. | ||
| + | The terms "open pediment" and "broken pediment" are often used interchangeably. | ||
| + | ==Significant pediments in the United States== | ||
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| + | *[[Apotheosis of Democracy]] at the [[United States Capitol]], [[Washington D.C.]] | ||
| + | *[[United States Supreme Court building]], Washington D.C. | ||
| + | *[[National Archives and Records Administration|National Archives Building]], Washington D.C. | ||
| + | *[[Wisconsin State Capitol]], [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], Wisconsin | ||
| + | *[[Wayne County Building]], [[Detroit, Michigan|Detroit]], Michigan | ||
| + | *[[Allen County Courthouse (Indiana)|Allen County Courthouse]], [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]] | ||
| + | *[[New York Stock Exchange]] Building, [[New York City]] | ||
| + | *[[San Francisco City Hall]], [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]], California | ||
| + | *[[Missouri State Capitol]], [[Jefferson City, Missouri|Jefferson City]], Missouri | ||
| + | *[[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania | ||
| + | *[[Severance Hall]], [[Cleveland, Ohio|Cleveland]], Ohio | ||
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| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | *[[Gable]] | ||
| + | *[[Temple (Greek)]] | ||
| + | *[[Temple (Roman)]] | ||
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| + | ==References== | ||
| + | * ''Dictionary of Ornament'' by Philippa Lewis & Gillian Darley (1986) NY: Pantheon | ||
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A pediment is an element in classical, neoclassical and baroque architecture, and derivatives therefrom, consisting of a gable, originally of a triangular shape, placed above the horizontal structure of the (entablature), typically supported by columns. The tympanum, or triangular area within the pediment, was often decorated with relief sculpture depicting scenes from Greek and Roman mythology or allegorical figures.
Contents |
History
The pediment is found in classical Greek temples, renaissance, and neoclassical architecture. A prominent example is the Parthenon, where it contains a tympanum decorated with figures in relief sculpture. This architectural element was developed in the architecture of ancient Greece. In Ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and later architectural revivals, the pediment was used as a non-structural element over windows, doors and aedicules.
A variant is the "segmental" or "arch" pediment, where the normal angular slopes of the cornice are replaced by one in the form of a segment of a circle, in the manner of a depressed arch. Both traditional and segmental pediments have "broken" and "open" forms. In the broken pediment the raking cornice is left open at the apex.
The open pediment is open along the base – often used in Georgian architecture. A further variant is the "Swan-necked" pediment, where the raking cornice is in the form of two S-shaped brackets. The decorations in the tympanum frequently extend through these openings, in the form of "Alto-relievo" sculpture, "tondo" paintings, mirrors or windows. These forms were adopted in Mannerist architecture, and applied to furniture designed by Thomas Chippendale. The terms "open pediment" and "broken pediment" are often used interchangeably.
Significant pediments in the United States
- Apotheosis of Democracy at the United States Capitol, Washington D.C.
- United States Supreme Court building, Washington D.C.
- National Archives Building, Washington D.C.
- Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin
- Wayne County Building, Detroit, Michigan
- Allen County Courthouse, Fort Wayne, Indiana
- New York Stock Exchange Building, New York City
- San Francisco City Hall, San Francisco, California
- Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, Missouri
- Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Severance Hall, Cleveland, Ohio
See also
References
- Dictionary of Ornament by Philippa Lewis & Gillian Darley (1986) NY: Pantheon
