Tympanum

Definition

A tympanum is the semi-circular or triangular decorative space above a doorway or entrance, commonly found in Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It often serves as a canvas for intricate sculptures and reliefs that depict biblical scenes, saints, or significant events, linking the architectural structure to religious narratives and community identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tympana often feature themes related to salvation and judgement, reinforcing the spiritual message of the church's teachings.
2. The use of tympana became more pronounced during the Romanesque period, where they were decorated with stylized figures and narrative scenes.
3. In Gothic architecture, tympana evolved to include more naturalistic sculptures, reflecting a shift towards realism in artistic representation.
4. Famous examples of tympana can be seen at cathedrals such as Chartres and Saint-Lazare in Autun, showcasing different artistic styles.
5. Tympana served not only an aesthetic purpose but also an educational role, conveying biblical stories to an illiterate population through visual means.

Review Questions

• How does the design of tympana reflect the religious beliefs and narratives of the time?
  • The design of tympana is deeply tied to the religious beliefs and narratives prevalent during their creation. They often illustrate biblical scenes, depicting significant events like the Last Judgment or scenes from the lives of saints. By presenting these stories visually, they served as a didactic tool for an audience that was predominantly illiterate, reinforcing church teachings and moral lessons through art.
• Compare and contrast the stylistic features of tympana from the Romanesque period to those from the Gothic period.
  • Romanesque tympana are characterized by their more abstract forms and stylized figures, which convey narrative content in a symbolic manner. In contrast, Gothic tympana display a shift towards realism, with more detailed and naturalistic sculptures that reflect individual emotions and lifelike qualities. This evolution showcases not just changes in artistic techniques but also shifting attitudes toward representation and the viewer's experience.
• Evaluate the impact of tympana on community identity and engagement with religious practices during the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
  • Tympana had a profound impact on community identity and engagement with religious practices during both the Romanesque and Gothic periods. They acted as focal points for worshippers entering churches, reminding them of their faith through vivid imagery. The narratives depicted not only reinforced communal beliefs but also fostered a sense of belonging among parishioners who shared in the visual storytelling. This contributed to a collective identity rooted in shared religious values and experiences.

Related terms

architrave: The main beam resting on the columns in classical architecture, often serving as the base for the tympanum above.

lintel: A horizontal support across the top of a door or window that bears the weight of the structure above it, sometimes embellished with carvings.

portal: An entrance or doorway, typically grand and elaborately decorated, that may include a tympanum as part of its design.