Tympanum

Definition

A tympanum is the semi-circular or triangular area above a door, often found in church architecture, that is typically filled with intricate sculptural reliefs or decorative motifs. This architectural feature serves not only as a structural element but also as a narrative space that conveys important religious themes and messages to the viewer, bridging the divine and the earthly realm.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tympanum became increasingly popular in Romanesque architecture, often depicting scenes from the Bible, such as the Last Judgment or Christ in Majesty.
2. In Gothic architecture, tympana became more elaborate and detailed, showcasing a wider range of figures and narratives due to advancements in sculptural techniques.
3. Many famous cathedrals, such as Notre-Dame in Paris, feature stunning tympana that tell stories through their complex iconography and intricate carvings.
4. The tympanum also served as an educational tool for the largely illiterate population of medieval Europe, visually conveying Christian beliefs and narratives.
5. As the style transitioned into the Late Medieval period, tympana began to exhibit more naturalistic forms and emotional expressions in figures, reflecting broader changes in artistic style.

Review Questions

• How do tympana function within the architectural design of churches, especially regarding their narrative role?
  • Tympana play a crucial role in church architecture by serving as both decorative elements and narrative spaces that convey religious stories to worshippers. Positioned above doorways, they immediately capture attention and invite viewers to reflect on the depicted scenes, which often include important biblical events. This combination of functionality and storytelling makes them key features for educating an illiterate audience about Christian beliefs and reinforcing faith through visual imagery.
• Compare and contrast the use of tympana in Romanesque and Gothic architecture, focusing on their stylistic elements and thematic content.
  • In Romanesque architecture, tympana are typically characterized by bold, simplified forms with strong outlines and limited depth, focusing on major biblical themes like the Last Judgment. By contrast, Gothic tympana showcase a greater complexity with intricate details, naturalistic figures, and emotional expressions. This evolution reflects broader artistic developments during the periods, where Gothic styles embraced realism and narrative richness compared to the more rigidly structured Romanesque designs.
• Evaluate the significance of tympana in reflecting societal changes during the transition from Romanesque to Late Medieval sculpture in Northern Europe.
  • Tympana reflect significant societal changes during the transition from Romanesque to Late Medieval sculpture by illustrating shifts in artistic expression and public engagement with religious narratives. As communities became more literate and interested in personal faith experiences, tympana began to incorporate more relatable human emotions and intricate details that resonated with viewers. This transformation not only showcases advancements in artistic techniques but also indicates an evolving relationship between art, faith, and society as people sought deeper connections with their beliefs.

Related terms

Archivolt: The series of concentric, curved moldings that surround the tympanum, providing visual framing and often decorated with ornamental carvings.

Portico: A structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, often leading to the entrance of a building, which can enhance the presentation of the tympanum.

Relief Sculpture: A sculptural technique where the figures project from a background surface, commonly used in tympana to create dynamic narratives and visual stories.