In architecture, a tympanum refers to the semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface found above an entrance, door, or window, which is bounded by a lintel below and an arch above. The term originates from ancient Greek and Latin words meaning "drum," possibly alluding to its often enclosed, solid, and sometimes bulging form. This architectural feature is a prominent space for artistic expression, frequently adorned with sculpture, mosaics, or other decorative elements.
Understanding the Architectural Tympanum
The tympanum is not merely a structural element but a crucial canvas for visual storytelling and symbolic representation in various architectural styles. It serves as an emphatic focal point, drawing the eye to the entry point of a building.
Key Characteristics:
- Location: Always situated over an opening (doorway, window, niche) and beneath an arch.
- Boundaries: Defined by the horizontal lintel (the beam supporting the structure above the opening) at its base and the curved or angled lines of an arch above.
- Shape: Typically semi-circular, especially in Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, or triangular, as seen in classical Greek and Roman pediments and their Neoclassical revivals. Pointed arch tympana are also common in Gothic architecture.
- Decoration: Historically, tympana have been richly decorated with:
- Relief Sculpture: Depicting religious narratives, mythological scenes, allegorical figures, or heraldry.
- Mosaics: Especially prevalent in Byzantine contexts, adding vibrant color and intricate patterns.
- Frescoes or Paintings: Though less common for exterior tympana due to exposure to elements.
- Inscriptions: Textual elements complementing the visual art.
- Geometric Patterns: Simple designs enhancing the architectural form.
Structural and Aesthetic Role
While the primary structural role of an arch is to distribute weight around an opening, the tympanum fills the remaining space between the arch and the lintel. Aesthetically, it provides a dedicated area for elaborate ornamentation that reinforces the building's purpose, historical context, or spiritual message. For example, medieval cathedral tympana often depicted scenes of the Last Judgment or lives of saints, serving as powerful didactic tools for a largely illiterate populace.
Historical Evolution and Examples
The use of the tympanum spans millennia and numerous architectural traditions, each leaving its distinct mark on its form and decoration.
| Architectural Period | Typical Shape | Common Decoration | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical (Greek/Roman) | Triangular (Pediment) | High relief sculpture, mythological scenes, civic themes | Pantheon, Rome (as pediment) |
| Byzantine | Semi-circular | Mosaics depicting Christ, Virgin Mary, saints | Hagia Sophia, Istanbul |
| Romanesque | Semi-circular | Deep relief sculpture, biblical narratives (e.g., Last Judgment), allegories | St. Lazare, Autun, France |
| Gothic | Semi-circular or Pointed | Intricate, multi-tiered sculpture, often of saints and prophets | Chartres Cathedral, France |
| Renaissance/Baroque/Neoclassical | Triangular or Semi-circular | Classical motifs, coats of arms, less dense sculpture, or plain | Many palace and church entrances across Europe |
Practical Insights:
- Romanesque Tympana: Often characterized by their powerful, didactic imagery, such as Christ in Majesty surrounded by the symbols of the Evangelists (Tetramorph). The figures are frequently stylized and elongated, conveying spiritual intensity rather than naturalism.
- Gothic Tympana: Became more complex, sometimes divided into multiple registers or tiers (lintel, middle zone, upper zone) to tell more elaborate stories. The sculptures also evolved towards greater naturalism and emotional expression.
- Modern Interpretations: While less common as a primary sculptural canvas, contemporary architecture may still utilize the tympanum space for subtle branding, abstract art, or distinctive material treatments above key entry points.
The enduring appeal of the tympanum lies in its ability to marry structural necessity with profound artistic and symbolic expression, making it a cornerstone feature in the lexicon of architectural design.
