Editing Architrave

{{short description|Lintel beam element in Classical architecture}}
{{Further|Lintel}}
{{Expand German|Architrav|date=May 2010}}
{{wikt | architrave}}
[[Image:9607 - Milano - Sant'Ambrogio - Facciata - Architrave portale sin. - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto 25-Apr-2007.jpg|thumb| Architrave of the left-side [[Portal (architecture)|portal]] in the [[facade]] of the [[Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio]] in [[Milan]], [[Italy]] (with a [[relieving arch]] above)]]
[[Image:Spoleto SSalvatore Architrave1.jpg|thumb|Architrave in the [[Basilica of San Salvatore, Spoleto]], Italy.]]

In [[classical architecture]], an '''architrave''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɑːr|k|ᵻ|t|r|eɪ|v}}; {{ety|it|architrave|chief beam}}, also called an '''epistyle''';<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Epistyle|volume=9|page=703}}</ref> {{ety|grc|''ἐπίστυλον'' (epistylon)|on the column}}) is the [[lintel (architecture)|lintel]] or [[beam (structure)|beam]], typically made of wood or stone, that rests on the [[capital (architecture)|capital]]s of [[column]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Reich |first=Ronny |title=The Architecture of Ancient Israel |last2=Katzenstein |first2=Hannah |date=1992 |publisher=Israel Exploration Society |isbn=978-965-221-013-5 |editor-last=Kempinski |editor-first=Aharon |location=Jerusalem |pages=311 |chapter=Glossary of Archaeological Terms |editor-last2=Reich |editor-first2=Ronny |editor-last3= |editor-first3=}}</ref>

The term can also apply to all sides, including the vertical members, of a frame with mouldings around a door or window. The word "architrave" has come to be used to refer more generally to a style of [[Molding (decorative)|mouldings]] (or other elements) framing a door, window or other rectangular opening, where the horizontal "head" casing extends across the tops of the vertical side casings where the elements join (forming a [[butt joint]], as opposed to a [[miter joint]]).<ref name=ching>
{{cite book
 |last=Ching |first=Francis D.K.
 |title=A Visual Dictionary of Architecture
 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
 | year=1995 |location=New York
 |pages=179, 186 |isbn = 0-471-28451-3
}}
</ref>

== Classical architecture ==
In an [[entablature]] in [[classical architecture]], it is the lowest part, below the [[frieze]] and [[cornice (architecture)|cornice]]. The word is derived from the [[Greek language|Greek]] and [[Latin language|Latin]] words ''arche'' and ''trabs'' combined to mean "main beam".  The architrave is different in the different [[Classical order]]s. In the [[Tuscan order]], it only consists of a plain face, crowned with a [[Annulet (architecture)|fillet]], and is half a [[Vitruvian module|module]] in height. In the [[Doric order|Doric]] and [[Composite order]], it has two faces, or [[Fascia (architecture)|fasciae]], and three in the [[Ionic order|Ionic]] and [[Corinthian order]], in which it is 10/12 of a module high, though but half a module in the rest.<ref>{{cite book |title=Cyclopaedia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences |editor=Chambers, Ephraim |volume=1 |year=1728 |publisher=James and John Knapton}}</ref>


== Metaphorical use ==
The term ''architrave'' has also been used in academic writing to mean the fundamental part of something (a speech, a thought or a reasoning), or the basis upon which an idea, reasoning, thought or philosophy is built.

Examples:
# "...the Mature Hegel – the Hegel of the Philosophy of Right – who becomes '''the architrave''' on which he ''(Honneth, ed.)'' constructs his social philosophy."<ref>Page: XIV, The Ethics of Democracy: A Contemporary Reading of Hegel's Philosophy of Right (Lucio Cortella, SUNY Press, 2015)[https://books.google.com/books?id=7-eGCgAAQBAJ&dq=architrave+The+Ethics+of+Democracy%3A+A+Contemporary+Reading+of+Hegel%27s+Philosophy+of+Right&pg=PR14]</ref>
#"to become '''the architrave''' of his theoretic construction"<ref>Pag. 281, [https://books.google.com/books?id=6VcqqW3c-l8C&dq=%22to+become+the+architrave+of+his+theoretic+construction%22&pg=PA281 Economics and institutions Contributions from the History of Economic thought] (Pier Francesco Asso, Luca Fiorito, Italian Association for  History and Economic Thought, Vol. IV, Franco Angeli Press 2007)</ref>

== Modern architraves ==
In contemporary architecture and interior design, the term ''architrave'' also refers to the mouldings that frame doors and windows. Unlike classical architraves, which were primarily structural and often ornate, modern architraves are typically decorative and functional, concealing the gap between the wall and the door or window frame.

=== Materials ===
Modern architraves are commonly made from:
* '''MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard):''' A popular choice due to its affordability, smooth surface, and ease of painting. <ref name="mdfskirting">{{cite web |title=What Is Architrave? |url=https://mdfskirtingworld.co.uk/blog/what-is-architrave/ |website=MDF Skirting World |access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref>
* '''Wood:''' A traditional material often used for premium finishes, including oak, pine, and other hardwoods.
* '''PVC or uPVC:''' Commonly used in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, due to its durability and resistance to warping.

=== Styles ===
Modern architraves are available in a variety of styles to suit different interior design preferences:
* '''Simple Flat Profiles:''' Minimalist designs for modern and contemporary interiors. <ref name="mdfskirting" />
* '''Ogee and Torus Profiles:''' Decorative mouldings used in more traditional or classic interiors.
* '''Custom Profiles:''' Bespoke designs created to match specific architectural or design requirements.

=== Function ===
Modern architraves serve both aesthetic and practical purposes:
# Concealing gaps between the wall and the frame of a door or window.
# Protecting edges from damage.
# Enhancing the overall aesthetic of an interior space.

Modern architraves are typically installed after the walls have been finished (plastered and painted) but before flooring is laid. They are often painted or finished to match or complement the doors and walls they surround. <ref name="mdfskirting" />

== Indian architecture ==
In [[Shilpa Shastras|śilpaśāstra]], the Hindu texts on architecture, the architrave is commonly referred to by its Sanskrit name ''uttara''.<ref name="templesalem">{{cite web|url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/91948/14/14_chapter%206.pdf|title=''Temples of Salem region Up to 1336 AD''}}</ref> In [[Hindu temple architecture]] it is placed above the bracket (''potika'') of a pillar (''[[stambha]]''), which gives it extra support. The Indian entablature is called ''[[prastara]]''.

Dravidian architecture recognizes several distinct types of architraves:<ref name="templesalem" />

* rounded (''vṛttapotika'')
* wavy (''taraṅgapotika'')
* flower shaped (''puṣpapotika'')
* bevel and tenon type (''ādhārapotika'')
* voluted (''muṣṭibanda'')
* figural (''citrapotika'')

== See also ==
* [[Archivolt]] – expanded and elaborated architrave element
* [[Dolmen]] – Neolithic predecessor,  megalithic tombs with structural stone lintels
* [[Lintel]]
* [[Post and lintel]] – architectural system with architraves-lintels

== Footnotes ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Architraves}}

[[Category:Columns and entablature]]
[[Category:Architectural elements]]
[[Category:Ancient Roman architectural elements]]