Pediments

Definition

Pediments are triangular gables found above the horizontal structure of a building, typically seen at the entrance, often used in classical architecture to enhance the grandeur and symmetry of facades. In Renaissance architecture, the revival of classical orders and proportions saw pediments being adapted and employed in various forms, linking classical ideals with contemporary designs. They served not just as decorative elements but also as a way to convey harmony and balance in architectural composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Renaissance architects often experimented with the form and placement of pediments, adapting them to fit different building styles, from grand palaces to simple structures.
2. Pediments were not only used for aesthetic purposes but also helped to visually frame the entrance of buildings, drawing attention to the entry point.
3. The use of broken or segmented pediments became popular during the Renaissance as architects sought to innovate while still paying homage to classical design.
4. In addition to their architectural function, pediments often featured sculptures or reliefs that depicted mythological or historical themes relevant to the building's purpose.
5. Pediments are key components in establishing the proportions and visual rhythm of facades, serving as an important feature in achieving architectural harmony.

Review Questions

• How do pediments reflect the principles of classical architecture as revived during the Renaissance?
  • Pediments exemplify classical architecture's emphasis on symmetry and proportion, key principles that were embraced during the Renaissance. By incorporating pediments into their designs, architects drew on ancient Roman and Greek styles, reinterpreting them to enhance the aesthetic quality of buildings. This revival was essential for creating structures that conveyed a sense of order and beauty, aligning with humanist ideals prevalent in Renaissance thought.
• Discuss how the function of pediments evolved in Renaissance architecture compared to their original use in classical buildings.
  • In classical architecture, pediments primarily served as crowning elements that added grandeur to temple facades. During the Renaissance, while maintaining their decorative role, architects began to adapt pediments for various building types beyond temples, such as civic structures and private residences. This evolution included experimenting with shapes and using broken or segmented forms, allowing for more creativity while still paying homage to classical origins.
• Evaluate the impact of Renaissance treatises on the design and implementation of pediments in architectural practice.
  • Renaissance treatises significantly influenced how architects approached pediment design by providing guidelines on proportion, symmetry, and aesthetics based on classical principles. Texts like Vitruvius' 'De Architectura' served as foundational resources that informed architectural practices. As a result, architects not only integrated pediments into their works with greater precision but also infused them with meaning through inscriptions or sculptures that related to contemporary cultural values. This connection between theory and practice underscored the importance of pediments as both structural features and vehicles for artistic expression.

Related terms

Entablature: The horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice, which often supports pediments.

Colonnade: A row of columns supporting a roof or entablature, often leading up to a pedimented structure.

Classical Orders: The styles of ancient Greek and Roman architecture that define column types and their decorative elements, which influenced Renaissance architecture.