The horizontal superstructure carried by columns in classical architecture.
The horizontal structure above a classical colonnade, conventionally divided into the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Sculptor’s note: The entablature is especially important to architectural sculptors because it contains major sculptural zones. In the Doric order, the frieze alternates triglyphs and metopes; pedimental and cornice sculpture visually depend on the proportional order established below.
Etymology
From French entablement and Italian intavolatura, ultimately associated with Latin tabula, “board” or “tablet.”
Sculptor Notes
The entablature is especially important to architectural sculptors because it contains major sculptural zones. In the Doric order, the frieze alternates triglyphs and metopes; pedimental and cornice sculpture visually depend on the proportional order established below.