Tympanum

Definition

A tympanum is a semi-circular or triangular decorative panel located above a doorway, typically found in Romanesque architecture. These panels often serve as a canvas for intricate sculptures and relief carvings that depict biblical scenes, figures, and narratives, playing a significant role in conveying religious messages to the largely illiterate populace of the time. The tympanum not only enhances the visual appeal of church facades but also acts as a storytelling medium that communicates the values and beliefs of the community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tympana were especially prominent on the west facades of Romanesque churches and cathedrals, often depicting scenes from the Last Judgment or the life of Christ.
2. The figures carved in tympana were typically stylized and hierarchical, with larger figures representing saints or Christ, indicating their importance.
3. These panels served both aesthetic and didactic purposes, educating viewers about Christian doctrine through visual storytelling.
4. In addition to biblical scenes, some tympana included motifs from daily life or allegorical figures that reinforced moral lessons.
5. The use of tympana declined with the advent of Gothic architecture, which favored more vertical forms and larger windows that allowed more light into spaces.

Review Questions

• How did tympana contribute to the overall narrative and educational function of Romanesque churches?
  • Tympana played a crucial role in the narrative function of Romanesque churches by serving as visual representations of biblical stories and moral lessons. They provided an educational tool for an audience that was largely illiterate, effectively communicating religious themes through sculpture. By displaying scenes like the Last Judgment prominently above entryways, these panels engaged viewers emotionally and spiritually as they entered the sacred space.
• Discuss the artistic techniques used in creating tympana and how these techniques reflect the characteristics of Romanesque sculpture.
  • Artistic techniques used in tympana include relief sculpture, where figures are carved to project from the background, creating depth and dimension. The stylization of figures often reflects a sense of hierarchy, with significant religious figures portrayed larger and more detailed than others. This emphasis on abstraction and symbolism aligns with Romanesque sculpture’s focus on conveying theological concepts rather than realism, allowing viewers to grasp complex ideas visually.
• Evaluate the significance of tympana in understanding the cultural and religious landscape of medieval Europe.
  • Tympana serve as vital artifacts for understanding the cultural and religious landscape of medieval Europe by revealing the values, beliefs, and societal norms of the time. They highlight how art was employed as a means of communication within communities, transcending language barriers to educate and inform about Christian teachings. Analyzing these panels allows us to appreciate how medieval people engaged with their faith visually and socially, emphasizing the central role of church architecture in daily life during this period.

Related terms

relief sculpture: A sculptural technique where the figures project from a background, creating a three-dimensional effect, commonly used in tympana.

lintel: A horizontal support beam that rests above the doorway, often adorned with decorative carvings that complement the tympanum.

Romanesque architecture: An architectural style prevalent in Europe from the 10th to the 12th centuries, characterized by thick walls, rounded arches, and large towers.