Pediment
A pediment is an element in classical, neoclassical and baroque architecture, and derivatives therefrom, consisting of a gable, originally of a triangular shape, placed above the horizontal structure of the entablature, typically supported by columns.
Why is the pediment valuable for the people?
The Pediment Through History In Greek temples, the pediment not only helped to visually harmonize the geometric shapes of the building, it was actually an important structural element of the roof as well. Greek temples have low-pitched, gabled roofs.
What kind of art is on the pediments?
The pediments of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia are some of the best surviving examples of early Classical Greek sculpture. The pediments were completed c. 460 BCE and comprise of forty-two figures in total.
What does pediment mean in art?
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.
Where is pediment found?
pediment, in geology, any relatively flat surface of bedrock (exposed or veneered with alluvial soil or gravel) that occurs at the base of a mountain or as a plain having no associated mountain.
What is a pediment on a house?
pediment, in architecture, triangular gable forming the end of the roof slope over a portico (the area, with a roof supported by columns, leading to the entrance of a building); or a similar form used decoratively over a doorway or window.
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.
What is a classical pediment?
A pediment is a gable wall that, in Classical architecture, rested above the columns and entablature of a Greek temple. Ornamental pediments above windows and doors have been used in various styles of architecture up to the present day.
What is a broken pediment?
Definition of broken pediment : a pediment frequent in the baroque style having a gap at the apex (as for a statue or vase)
What is the difference between pediment and gable?
A pediment is a gable decorated with elaborate sculptures or other artwork. In other words, all pediments are gables, but not all gables are pediments.
What are the characteristics of pediment?
pediments are composed of surfaces eroded across bedrock or alluvium, are usually discordant to structure, have longitudinal profiles usually either concave upward or rectilinear, slope at less than 11°, and are thinly and discontinuously veneered with rock debris.
What are pediments made of?
Use of Pediments For many Greek temples, first made of wood, the triangular geometry had a structural function. Fast forward 2,000 years from ancient Greece and Rome to the Baroque period of art and architecture, when the pediment became an ornamental detail to be extravagantly modified.
How is a pediment formed?
A pediment is a gently sloping erosion surface or plain of low relief formed by running water in arid or semiarid region at the base of a receding mountain front.
What is depicted on the pediments of the Parthenon?
Pediment sculpture The east pediment of the Parthenon showed the birth of goddess Athena from the head of her father Zeus. The sculptures that represented the actual scene are lost. Zeus was probably shown seated, while Athena was striding away from him fully grown and armed.
What myths do the two pediments depict?
The pediment sculptures and metopes illustrate episodes from Greek myth, and include the famous head of a horse of Selene (the moon goddess) and the river god Ilissos. Head of a horse of Selene and the river god Ilissos from the east and west pediments of the Parthenon.
What is depicted on the west pediment of the Parthenon?
The west pediment of the Parthenon portrays the dispute between Athena and Poseidon regarding who would become the divine protector of Athens.
What sculptures are on the Parthenon?
The main sculptural decorations of the Parthenon include the Chryselephantyne statue of Athena, the East and West pediments, the metopes of the peristyle, and the continuous frieze of the cella. The temple on its exterior exhibited an abundance of sculptures.
What is a pediment in architecture?
A pediment is a gable wall that, in Classical architecture, rested above the columns and entablature of a Greek temple. Ornamental pediments above...
What is the difference between a gable and a pediment?
A pediment is a gable wall that imitates the style and construction of Classical Greek temple pediments. Thus, they may be placed over columns and...
Why are pediments used?
Today, pediments are used in architectural styles which borrow elements from Classical Greek and Roman architecture. In Washington, D.C., for examp...
Did Greeks use pediments?
Yes, the Greeks did use pediments, especially in their temples. The Parthenon, a temple to Athena built in the Acropolis of Athens, is an example o...
What is the pediment in Greek temples?
The pediment was the crowning feature of the Greek temple front. The triangular wall surface of the pediment, called the tympanum, rested on an entablature (a composite band of horizontal moldings) carried over the columns.
What is a portico?
portico, colonnaded porch or entrance to a structure, or a covered walkway supported by regularly spaced columns. Porticoes formed the entrances to ancient Greek temples. The portico is a principal feature of Greek temple architecture and thus a prominent…
What is a tympanum?
tympanum, in Classical architecture, the area enclosed by a pediment, whether triangular or segmental. In a triangular pediment, the area is defined by the horizontal cornice along the bottom and by the raking (sloping) cornice along the sides; in a segmental pediment, the sides have segmental cornices. A…
What is a Pediment?
What is a pediment? Pediment definition: A pediment is a triangular gable—a wall that extends to fill the space underneath the two slopes of a pitched roof—which is an element of Classical and Neoclassical architecture.
Pediments in Greek Architecture
Pediment architecture was an aesthetic and structural element of the Greek temple. It contributed to the proportional harmony and symmetry associated with Classical architecture while at the same time helping to support the roof of the temple. Greek temple roofs were pitched, meaning they slope down on either side.
Types of Pediments
Pediments have been used in many architectural styles since the ancient Greeks. Whereas the Greeks used the pediment as a primary structural element, the Romans used pediments as decorative elements above windows, doors, and niches.
Why are pediments important?
Some used to protect windows and openings from weather.
What are pediments in architecture?
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. Gable roofs were common in ancient Greek temples with a low pitch (angle of 12.5° to 16°). Pediments are placed above the horizontal structure of the lintel, or entablature, if supported by columns. The tympanum, the triangular area within the pediment, is often decorated with a pedimental sculpture which may be freestanding or a relief sculpture. The tympanum may hold an inscription, or in modern times, a clock face. A pediment is sometimes the top element of a portico. For symmetric designs, it provides a center point and is often used to add grandness to entrances.
What is a broken pediment?
A variant is the "segmental" or "arch" pediment, where the normal angular slopes of the cornice are replaced by one in the form of a segment of a circle, in the manner of a depressed arch. Both traditional and segmental pediments have "broken" and "open" forms. In the broken pediment the raking cornice is left open at the apex. The open pediment is open along the base – often " sculpture, " tondo " paintings, mirrors or windows. These forms were adopted in Mannerist architecture, and applied to furniture designed by Thomas Chippendale. The terms "open pediment" and "broken pediment" are often used interchangeably. Another variant is the swan's neck pediment and is a refinement of a broken pediment with two "S"-shaped profiles resembling a swan's neck. Non-triangular variations of pediments are usually found over doors, windows, and porches.
What is the name of the pediment in the Madeleine Church?
Rococo pediment of the Erbdrostenhof ( Münster, Germany) Louis XVI pediment of the Théâtre de la reine, part of the Petit Trianon (France) Neoclassical pediment of the Madeleine Church ( Paris ), with sculpture from the pediment (1830-1837) by Pierre-Jean David depicting St Geneviève.
Why did pediments not fit on the roof?
The form of the pediment is dictated by the primary function of the roof which in several areas is the dismissal of rainwater.
What is a swan's neck pediment?
Another variant is the swan's neck pediment and is a refinement of a broken pediment with two "S"-shaped profiles resembling a swan's neck.
Where are pediments found?
The pediment is found in classical Greek temples, Etruscan, Roman, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts 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 and first appeared as gable ends of Greek temples. In ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and later architectural revivals, the pediment was used as a non-structural element over windows, doors and aediculae. Some used to protect windows and openings from weather. As classical architecture moved to Britain during the Renaissance, pediments wouldn't fit with the steeply pitched roofs and became detached from the structure to only create an impression. The form of the pediment is dictated by the primary function of the roof which in several areas is the dismissal of rainwater.
What are the different types of pediments?
Both triangular and segmental pediments can be varied further by using different options for the apex and base. These options are: standard, receding, and broken (also known as open). All the pediments shown so far have had a standard apex with a standard base. This is the simplest and most common form. However, any combination of apex and base may be used. For example, a pediment might have a broken apex with a standard base, or a recessed apex with a recessed base, or a recessed apex with a broken base. The following table illustrates these combinations.
What are pediments in Greek?
Pediments were originally triangular gables found on Greek and Roman temples. During the Renaissance and subsequent Baroque and Rococo periods, new and more complex shapes were introduced. Regardless of their shape or complexity, pediments remain a low-pitched form. 3a. Height to Width Ratio. A pediment’s height to width ratio depends on its size.
What is a pediment raking cornice?
In a pediment, the raking cornice is the cornice set at an angle. Using the NYSE’s pediment as an example below, it can be seen that the corona and bed mouldings should be doubled up and included in both the raking cornice and the horizontal cornice. However, the cyma should not be included in the horizontal cornice of the pediment, but only in the raking cornice.
How many columns should be used for pediments above doors?
However, a column on either side of the door or window can be inferred. Therefore for pediments above doors or windows, two columns should be used in the above equation resulting in a height to width ratio of approximately 0.25. 3d. Pediment Variations.
How does height to width affect pediments?
A pediment’s height to width ratio depends on its size. Large pediments that are too high can quickly become overpowering and visually too top heavy. Meanwhile, if small pediments do not have enough height, they can appear diminutive. Therefore, as pediments become larger, their height to width ratio should decrease.
Can a pediment have a broken apex?
For example, a pediment might have a broken apex with a standard base, or a recessed apex with a recessed base, or a recessed apex with a broken base. The following table illustrates these combinations.
What is pedimento in Mexico?
In Mexico, the pedimento is the most relevant custom form that importers or exporters use during the importation or exportation of their goods. The pedimento can only be completed by the Mexican customs broker (Agente Aduanal) at the request of the importer or exporter.
What information is required to complete a pedimento?
The instructions for completing the pedimento require knowing specific information about the goods such as: description, quantity, classification, origin, value, weight, and size. This includes the parties involved, such as the importer, exporter, customs broker, freight forwarder, as well as the places involved, such as, the port of entry, place of delivery, place of shipment, and the use of free trade agreements, among other information. Depending on the type of customs operation, however, not all of these requirements may apply.
What information do you need to import pedimentos in Mexico?
Therefore, whenever a company in Mexico purchases previously imported goods, it must make sure it has the complete information about the importation such as pedimento’s number, date, and place of importation. Preferably, the importer should request a copy of the form.
Can a pedimento be one page?
Even though the pedimento can be reduced to one- page document, the instructions for completing it are lengthy, and tend to be complex. Instead of just listing general information on the form, specific codes must be used. For example, if a pedimento is being completed for a temporary importation of goods for use during a convention, ...
Where are pediments found?
However, they are also found along the forearc of the Andes in South America and in South Africa. More recently, it has been recognized that pediments are formed in temperate and humid climates and in a variety of tectonic settings, and that the character of the bedrock is not critical to their formation.
How do pediments form?
Pediment formation is promoted by arid conditions that hinder vegetation, reduce soil cohesion, and contribute to channel bank instability. Localized flooding on terrain with high infiltration rates also promotes pedimentation. These conditions all reduce incision rates. The models correctly predict that pediments are more common in hydrologically open basins than in hydrologically closed basins.
What is the upper part of a piedmont?
Pediments were originally recognized as the upper part of smoothly sloping (0.5°-7°) concave piedmont surfaces surrounding mountains in arid regions. The lower part of the piedmont is a bajada, with the distinction being that the upper pediment surface is cut into bedrock (with possibly a thin veneer of alluvium) and is thus a result of erosion, while the lower bajada is aggradational (formed by accumulation of fresh sediments). Above the pediment, the slope abruptly increases, with an angle of 15° to nearly vertical. This creates a well-defined knickpoint at the base of the higher terrain.
Why did Gilbert believe that pediments were formed in the Henry Mountains?
Gilbert believed the origin of pediments in the Henry Mountains are due to stream planation and active erosion of deserts. This theory was advocated by Sydney Paige (1912), and Douglas Johnson (1932). Johnson identified three zones of pediments.
How is a pediplain different from a peneplain?
A pediplain is distinguished from a peneplain because a pediplain has a thin veneer of gravel and is relatively steep, while a peneplain is surfaced with deep residual soil and is extremely level, with slopes of less than 55 feet per mile (10 meters per km).
How does arid soil affect pediment formation?
Pediment formation is promoted by arid conditions that hinder vegetation, reduce soil cohesion, and contribute to channel bank instability. Localized flooding on terrain with high infiltration rates also promotes pedimentation. These conditions all reduce incision rates.
What is a pediment in Utah?
Pediment surface at base of Book Cliffs, Utah. A pediment, also known as a concave slope or waning slope, is a very gently sloping (0.5°-7°) inclined bedrock surface. It is typically a concave surface sloping down from the base of a steeper retreating desert cliff, escarpment, or surrounding a monadnock or inselberg, ...
Corner Cabinet
By pulling the corner cabinet forward and increasing its width and height, we can create the ideal place to make a statement with a pediment. Just one or two decorative elements can bring simple, stock cabinets to life.
To Soften Larger Elements
Refrigerators, Wall Ovens, Pantries and Broom Closets are all larger, necessary elements in a kitchen that can be softened by the use of a pediment. The pediment will draw the viewers' attention and soften the object it is enhancing
It's Time to Think Out of the Box!
A Designer gets the next level by thinking out of the box. Yes, you can take a pediment and place it on the top of a cabinet, step back and say, "Fantastico!"
