Pediment

Definition

A pediment is a triangular architectural feature found atop a structure, typically serving as a decorative element that crowns doorways or windows. It often features sculptures or reliefs and plays a vital role in the overall design of temples, particularly in classical architecture, emphasizing the building's height and grandeur while framing the entrance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Archaic architecture, pediments were often simpler than those in later styles but laid the groundwork for more elaborate designs seen in classical structures.
2. The Parthenon features a highly detailed pediment with intricate sculptures depicting mythological scenes, illustrating the height of classical artistry.
3. Pediments can vary in shape and size, adapting to different architectural styles, though the triangular form remains a hallmark of Greek temples.
4. The use of pediments not only adds aesthetic appeal but also emphasizes the temple's significance as a sacred space dedicated to the gods.
5. In addition to Greek temples, pediments were later adopted in Roman architecture and have influenced Western architecture throughout history.

Review Questions

• How do pediments function as both structural and decorative elements in ancient Greek temples?
  • Pediments serve a dual purpose in ancient Greek temples by providing structural support while also enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal. They create a visual focal point at the top of the façade, drawing attention to the entrance. The triangular shape helps distribute weight from the roof down to the supporting columns, while also offering a canvas for intricate sculptures that depict important myths or religious themes, thereby enriching the cultural significance of the temple.
• Compare and contrast the use of pediments in Archaic and Classical architecture, focusing on their design and symbolic meaning.
  • In Archaic architecture, pediments were generally more simplistic and less ornate compared to those seen in Classical architecture. During the Classical period, especially in structures like the Parthenon, pediments became highly elaborate with detailed sculptures that conveyed narratives central to Greek mythology and culture. This evolution reflects a growing emphasis on artistic expression and symbolic representation, where pediments not only crowned entrances but also communicated deeper meanings related to worship and civic pride.
• Evaluate the significance of pediments in understanding the cultural values and artistic advancements of ancient Greek civilization.
  • Pediments are significant as they encapsulate key cultural values and artistic advancements of ancient Greek civilization. They highlight the importance placed on aesthetics, religion, and mythology within Greek culture, serving as both decorative features and storytelling mediums. The shift from simpler designs in Archaic times to complex sculptures in Classical architecture illustrates advancements in artistic techniques and philosophical ideals, such as beauty and harmony. By studying pediments, we gain insight into how ancient Greeks expressed their beliefs and societal values through architectural innovation.

Related terms

entablature: The horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of three main sections: architrave, frieze, and cornice, which works together with the pediment above.

frieze: The middle section of an entablature, often decorated with relief sculptures or ornamentation, located just below the pediment.

triglyph: A decorative element found in the Doric order, consisting of three vertical grooves on the frieze, typically alternating with metopes in classical architecture.