Tympanum - Ancient and medieval architecture

In the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, this term was defined as the inner triangular field of the low peak above the portico, smooth or filled with sculpture, a characteristic feature of ancient monumental buildings.
In romanesque and gothic architecture this term provides a semicircular or pointed field filling the space between the lintel and portals archivolt, usually filled with bas relief.

romanesque tympanum of the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, 11th century, Como, Italy

romanesque tympanum of the church of Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe, 11th century, France

gothic tympanum of the church of Saint Denis, 12th/13th century, France

gothic tympanum of the cathedral in Burgos, Spain, 13th century, photo Wikimedia Commons

return to the dictionary index