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A 'tympanum' (plural, tympana) is the semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance bounded by a lintel and arch.^[1] It often contains sculptures or other ornaments.^[2] Most architectural styles include this element.^[3] In Greek and Christian architecture tympanums usually contained religious scenes.^[4]
Bands of molding surrounding the tympanum are referred to as the archivolt.^[5]

Contents

See also

Gallery

Notes

External links

See also

★ gable

★ portal

Gallery

Notes

1. Glossary - Tympanum

2. Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture - tympanum
3. Illustrated Architecture Dictionary - Tympanum
4. Tympanum
5. Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture - archivolt

External links

★ Sculpted tympanums Chartres Cathedral, West Front, Central Portal

★ Tympanum of the last Judgment - western portal of the abbey-church of Saint Foy

★ Dictionnaire raisonné de l’architecture française du XIe au XVIe siècle - Tome 9, Tympan