Pediment

Definition

A pediment is a triangular upper part of a classical building that sits above the horizontal structure known as the entablature. It often features decorative elements and serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, prominently displaying sculptures or reliefs that are significant to the temple's function or the deity it honors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pediment typically consists of a triangular shape, with its base formed by the entablature and its apex pointing upwards.
2. In Greek temples, pediments were often adorned with intricate sculptures depicting mythological scenes or important figures related to the deity worshipped inside.
3. The use of pediments can be traced back to ancient Greek architecture and was later adopted by Roman architects, showcasing their influence on temple design.
4. The proportion and detail of a pediment can convey different architectural styles, with variations found in Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian temples.
5. Pediments not only enhanced the beauty of temples but also played a role in demonstrating the power and piety of the city-state through artistic expression.

Review Questions

• How does the design of a pediment contribute to the overall aesthetics and symbolism of Greek and Roman temples?
  • The design of a pediment significantly enhances the aesthetics of Greek and Roman temples by providing a dramatic triangular feature that draws the eye upward, symbolizing a connection between the mortal and divine. Additionally, it serves as a canvas for sculptural reliefs that depict important myths or deities, reinforcing the temple's religious significance. This combination of structural elegance and artistic expression helps communicate the values and beliefs of the society that created it.
• In what ways did different architectural styles influence the design and decoration of pediments in temples across Greece and Rome?
  • Different architectural styles such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian influenced pediment designs through variations in proportions, decorative elements, and overall complexity. For example, Doric pediments are generally simpler with minimal ornamentation, while Corinthian pediments often feature elaborate floral motifs and intricate sculptures. These stylistic choices reflect not only aesthetic preferences but also cultural values and advancements in artistry over time, showcasing how architecture evolved in response to societal changes.
• Evaluate the role of pediments in communicating power and religious devotion within Greek and Roman societies, particularly through their artistic elements.
  • Pediments played a crucial role in communicating power and religious devotion within Greek and Roman societies by serving as prominent visual statements atop temples. The artistic elements featured in these spaces often depicted scenes from mythology or divine figures that resonated with cultural beliefs, elevating the status of both the temple and its patrons. By commissioning grand sculptures for pediments, city-states demonstrated their wealth and piety, while also reinforcing civic identity through shared religious narratives that united communities under common values.

Related terms

Entablature: The horizontal structure supported by columns, which includes the architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Columns: Vertical structural elements that support the entablature and contribute to the overall design and style of the temple.

Frieze: The middle section of the entablature, often decorated with reliefs or inscriptions that convey religious or cultural significance.