Tympanum (architecture)

A tympanum (plural, 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. It often contains pedimental sculpture or other imagery or ornaments. Many architectural styles include this element.

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

History

In ancient Greek, Roman and Christian architecture, tympana of religious buildings often contain pedimental sculpture or mosaics with religious imagery. 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 classicising styles from the Renaissance onwards, major examples are usually triangular; in Romanesque architecture, tympana more often has 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 referred to as the archivolt.

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

Gallery

File:Washington National Cathedral Crucifix constructed from war material.jpg, ''Ex Nihilo'' (''Out of Nothing'') by Frederick Hart, tympanum over center doors, Washington National Cathedral.
File:Wooden Tympanum at Entrance of Kumari House- Basantapur, Kathmandu Nepal-0368.jpg, Tympanum of Kumari-ghar at Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu.
File:Strasbourg Cathédrale3.JPG, Archivolts surrounding a tympanum of the west façade Strasbourg Cathedral, France.
Image:Notre Dame Paris front facade lower.jpg, The three tympana on the main façade of Notre-Dame de Paris, France.
Image:Stralsund, Germany, Nikolaikirche, Schmuck über der Eingangstür (2006-09-29).JPG, Sculpted tympanum in Stralsund, Germany
File:Collegiale-Thann-p1010095.jpg, Adoration of the Magi on a tympanum on Saint-Thiébaut Church, Thann, France.
Chiesa di San Lorenzo a Vicenza - Facade - Porch2.jpg, Religious scene in a tympanum, Church San Lorenzo, Vicenza, Italy.
Image:Vitoria - San Pedro 50.JPG, Scenes of the lives of Saint Peter and Mary, St Peter's, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Image:Olin-Warner-LoC-tympanum-Highsmith.jpeg, High-relief bronze tympanum of Writing, Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, DC, USA.
File:Kilpeck church, tympanum.jpg, Tympanum (showing the tree of life) and archivolt at Church of St Mary and St David, Kilpeck
File:Rowlestone_tympanum.jpg, Tympanum showing Christ in Majesty with four attendant angels, Rowlestone, Herefordshire, UK.
File:Trier - Dom, Portal Liebfrauenkirche, Tympanon (2017-05-30).JPG, Romanesque Tympanum in the cathedral of Trier from about 1180
File:Manila Cathedral Door Writings.jpg , Tympanum of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Philippines.
File:Tympanum of the church of the Sacred Heart, Templemore.jpg, Tympanum of the church of the Sacred Heart, Templemore

See also

* Lunette: semi-circular tympanum
* Church architecture
* Gable
* Pediment
* Portal

Citations

External links

Sculpted tympanums Chartres Cathedral, West Front, Central Portal



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Arches and vaults
Architectural elements