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The Sculptors Lexicon

Tympanum

The enclosed wall or panel surface within a pediment, or the corresponding field over a doorway bounded by an arch and lintel.

Short Definition

The enclosed wall or panel surface within a pediment, or the corresponding field over a doorway bounded by an arch and lintel.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Language Origin

Greek

Categories

Architecture

The enclosed wall or panel surface within a pediment, or the corresponding field over a doorway bounded by an arch and lintel. Tympana frequently provide prominent architectural settings for narrative, symbolic, or devotional relief sculpture.