Tympanum (architecture)
In architecture, a tympanum (plural, tympana) is the semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance bounded by a lintel and arch.[1] It often contains sculptures or other ornaments.[2] Most architectural styles include this element.[3]
In Greek and Christian architecture, tympanums usually contained religious scenes.[4] Bands of molding surrounding the tympanum are referred to as the archivolt.[5]
Contents |
Gallery
 Archivolts surrounding a tympanum of the West façade Strasbourg Cathedral, France |  The three tympana on the main façade of Notre-Dame de Paris, France | ||
 Adoration of the Magi on a tympanum on Saint-Thiébaut Church, Thann, France |  Religious scene in a tympanum, Saint Joseph church, Clermont-Ferrand, France |  Scenes of the lives of Saint Peter and Mary, Saint Peter church, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain |  High-relief bronze tympanum of Writing, Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, DC |
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See also
Notes
- ^ "Glossary - Tympanum". Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent. http://www.indoarch.org/arch_glossary.php. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
- ^ "Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture - tympanum". University of Pittsburgh. http://www.pitt.edu/~medart/menuglossary/tympanum.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-23.
- ^ "Illustrated Architecture Dictionary - Tympanum". freenet.buffalo.edu. http://freenet.buffalo.edu/bah/a/DCTNRY/t/tym.html. Retrieved 2007-06-25.
- ^ "Tympanum". www.OntarioArchitecture.com. http://www.ontarioarchitecture.com/tympanum.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-25.
- ^ "Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture - archivolt". University of Pittsburgh. http://www.pitt.edu/~medart/menuglossary/archivolt.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-23.
External links
 | Wikimedia Commons has media related to: tympanums |
 | Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Tympanum. |
- Sculpted tympanums Chartres Cathedral, West Front, Central Portal
- Tympanum of the last Judgment - western portal of the abbey-church of Saint Foy
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