Entablature

Entablatures at Caesarea Maritima

Another Veneres Temple remains (4293441020)

DoricParthenon

Ionic entablature

CorinthianOrderPantheon

Entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lies horizontally above the columns in Classical architecture. It is a significant architectural element that serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, making it a fundamental aspect of classical, neoclassical, and other architectural styles that derive from ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

Components

The entablature is divided into three main parts, each serving a distinct function and contributing to the overall appearance of a building. These parts are, from bottom to top:

• Architrave: The lowest portion directly above the column capitals. It acts as a lintel or beam that supports the weight of the entablature above. In classical architecture, the architrave is often plain, but it can be decorated in more elaborate styles.
• Frieze: Situated above the architrave, the frieze is a wide central section that can be plain or decorated with sculptures, reliefs, or other ornamental details. In Doric order architecture, the frieze is characterized by alternating triglyphs (vertical grooves) and metopes.
• Cornice: The uppermost part of the entablature, projecting outward to throw rainwater off the building. The cornice is often elaborately decorated, contributing significantly to the building's overall aesthetic appeal.

Function and Symbolism

The entablature not only serves a structural purpose by distributing the weight from the roof and upper parts of a building onto the columns but also embodies the principles of beauty, harmony, and order that are central to classical architecture. Its decorative elements, from the simple lines of the architrave to the intricate details of the frieze and cornice, reflect the cultural, religious, and social values of the society that created them.

Variations Across Orders

The design and detailing of the entablature vary significantly across the classical orders of architecture—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—each with its own set of rules for proportions and decoration. The Doric order features a robust and simple entablature, the Ionic is more slender and ornate, and the Corinthian is the most elaborate, with a highly decorated frieze and cornice.

Influence on Later Architecture

The entablature's influence extends beyond classical antiquity, impacting a wide range of architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, and even some modern architectural designs. Its principles of proportion and decoration continue to inspire architects, underscoring the enduring legacy of classical architecture in shaping the built environment.

See Also

• Classical order
• Pilaster
• Capital (architecture)
• Pediment