What does pediment mean in Greek?
What does pediment mean in Greek?
The pediment is the triangular place under the roof of a Greek temple. Each temple has two pediments, one on the front and one on the back. They’re always isosceles triangles. At first pediments were probably plain, but soon the Greeks began to decorate pediments with stone sculpture.
Whats the definition of pediment?
Definition of pediment 1 : a triangular space that forms the gable of a low-pitched roof and that is usually filled with relief sculpture in classical architecture also : a similar form used as a decoration.
What is a pediment in history?
Pediments are gables, usually of a triangular shape. They are found in ancient Greek architecture as early as 600 BC (e.g. the archaic Temple of Artemis). Variations of the pediment occur in later architectural styles such as Classical, Neoclassical and Baroque.
Where does the word pediment come from?
pediment (n.) in architecture, “the triangular part of the facade of a Greek-style building,” 1660s, alteration of periment, peremint (1590s), a word of unknown origin, “said to be a workmen’s term” [OED]; probably a dialectal garbling of pyramid, the connection perhaps being the triangular shape.
Who created pediments?
A pediment is the highly visible and memorable “triangle” found above porticos — two-story porches — doorways, windows and dormers. Developed by ancient Greeks as the decorative end to a gable roof, the pediment is widely used in classical, neoclassical, baroque and revival styles of architecture.
How many pediments are there on a traditional temple?
However, by using these ratios, you can be assured your pediment will have an appropriate pitch. The six pediments below illustrate these ratios.
Who first used the word pediment?
The pediment is found in classical Greek temples, renaissance, and neoclassical architecture. A prominent example is the Parthenon, where it contains a tympanum decorated with figures in relief sculpture. This architectural element was developed in the architecture of ancient Greece.
Who first used the term pediment?
Why was the pediment a challenging location for sculptural decoration?
It would be extremely difficult to sculpt the front without the accurate reference of the back. It is also possible that the statues were exhibited freestanding before they were hoisted 16 meters above ground and placed at the pediment.
