Editing Entablature

{{Short description|Architectural element}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2019}}
[[File:Entablatures at Caesarea Maritima.JPG|thumb|260px|Entablatures at [[Caesarea Maritima]]]]
[[File:Another Veneres Temple remains (4293441020).jpg|thumb|260px|Entablature at the [[Temple of Venus Genetrix]], Rome]]

An '''entablature''' ({{IPAc-en|ɛ|n|ˈ|t|æ|b|l|ə|tʃ|ər}}; nativization of [[Italian language|Italian]] {{lang|it|intavolatura}}, from {{lang|it|in}} "in" and {{lang|it|tavola}} "table")<ref name=EB1911>{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Entablature|volume=9|page=654}}</ref> is the [[superstructure]] of [[molding (decorative)|molding]]s and bands which lies horizontally above [[column]]s, resting on their [[capital (architecture)|capitals]]. Entablatures are major elements of [[classical architecture]], and are commonly divided into the [[architrave]] (the supporting member immediately above; equivalent to the lintel in [[post and lintel]] construction), the [[frieze]] (an unmolded strip that may or may not be ornamented), and the [[cornice (architecture)|cornice]] (the projecting member below the [[pediment]]).<ref name=EB1911/> The [[Greek temple|Greek]] and [[Roman temple|Roman]] temples are believed to be based on wooden structures, the design transition from wooden to stone structures being called [[Classical architecture#Petrification|petrification]].

==Overview==
The structure of an entablature varies with the [[orders of architecture]]. In each order, the proportions of the subdivisions (architrave, frieze, cornice) are defined by the proportions of the column. In Roman and [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]] interpretations, it is usually approximately a quarter of the height of the column. Variants of entablature that do not fit these models are usually derived from them.

=== Doric ===
In the pure classical [[Doric order]] entablature is simple. The architrave, the lowest band, is split, from bottom to top, into the [[guttae]], the [[regulae]], and the [[taenia (architecture)|taenia]].

The frieze is dominated by the [[triglyph]]s, vertically channelled tablets, separated by [[metope (architecture)|metopes]], which may or may not be decorated. The triglyphs sit on top of the taenia, a flat, thin, horizontal protrusion, and are finished at the bottom by decoration (often ornate) of 'drops' called guttae, which belong to the top of the architrave. The top of the triglyphs meet the protrusion of the cornice from the entablature. The underside of this protrusion is decorated with [[mutules]], tablets that are typically finished with guttae.

The cornice is split into the [[soffit]], the corona, and the [[cymatium]]. The soffit is simply the exposed underside. The corona and the cymatium are the principal parts of the cornice.

=== Ionic ===
The [[Ionic order]] of entablature adds the [[Fascia (architecture)|fascia]] in the architrave, which are flat horizontal protrusions, and the [[dentil]]s under the cornice, which are tooth-like rectangular block moldings.

=== Corinthian ===
The [[Corinthian order]] adds a far more ornate cornice, divided, from bottom to top, into the [[cyma reversa]], the dentils, the [[ovolo]], the [[modillion]]s, the fascia, and the [[cyma recta]]. The modillions are ornate brackets, similar in use to dentils, but often in the shape of [[acanthus (ornament)|acanthus]] leaves.

The frieze is sometimes omitted&mdash;for example, on the portico of the caryatides of the [[Erechtheum]]&mdash;and probably did not exist as a structure in the [[temple of Diana at Ephesus]]. Neither is it found in the Lycian tombs, which are reproductions in the rock of timber structures based on early Ionian work.<ref name=EB1911/> The entablature is essentially an evolution of the primitive [[lintel]], which spans two posts, supporting the ends of the roof rafters.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:DoricParthenon.jpg|Entablature of the [[Doric order]]
Image:Ionic entablature.jpg|Entablature of the [[Ionic order]]
File:CorinthianOrderPantheon.jpg|Entablature of the [[Corinthian order]]
</gallery>

=== Non-classical architecture ===
The entablature together with the system of classical columns occurs rarely outside classical architecture. It is often used to complete the upper portion of a wall where columns are not present, and in the case of [[pilaster]]s (flattened columns or projecting from a wall) or detached or [[engaged column]]s it is sometimes profiled around them.<ref>{{Cite Catholic Encyclopedia |wstitle=Entablature |volume=5 |first=homas Henry |last=Poole}}</ref> The use of the entablature, irrespective of columns, appeared after the Renaissance.

==See also==
* [[Classical order]]
* [[Classical architecture]]
* [[Prastara]], an entablature in the [[Hindu temple architecture]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category inline|Entablatures}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Columns and entablature| ]]
[[Category:Architectural elements]]