Pediment
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Parthenon Pediment.jpg Image:Ac.pediment.jpg A pediment is a classical architectural element consisting of a triangular section or gable found above the horizontal superstructure (entablature) which lies immediately upon the columns. It is found throughout Classical and Neo-Classical Architecture, most notably in the Greek temple form (the most prominent example being the Parthenon), where it served as a palette for beautiful, intricate sculptural detail. The space in the triangular section above the horizontal superstructure (Thympanon or Tympanum) was decorated with sculptures and reliefs demonstrating scenes of Greek and Roman mythology. The pediment belonged to the Classical order of the temple.
This pediment as architectural element was applied in architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, the Renaissance, and historicism. Often, it is accompanied with Tondo (Art), or round windows placed in the middle of the pediment.
As a decorative element in very small temples, Pediments located above the entrance are called Naiskos or Aedicula. They're often found in funeral architecture except the sacrificial and profane architecture. The Broken Pediments is a further form of a Pediment: at its apex, the pediment shape is intentionally broken.
See also
de:Pediment (Architektur) fr:Fronton (architecture) it:Frontone (architettura) nl:Fronton no:Pediment pl:Fronton (architektura) sv:Fronton