Architrave

Definition

An architrave is the lowest part of the entablature in classical architecture, resting directly on the columns. It serves as a critical structural element, supporting the upper sections of the entablature while often showcasing decorative features that highlight classical influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nicola Pisano's use of the architrave can be seen as a revival of classical architectural elements, showcasing his admiration for ancient Roman forms.
2. Pisano often incorporated detailed relief sculptures onto the architrave, which not only served a structural purpose but also added to the narrative quality of his works.
3. The architrave in Pisano's sculptures is frequently designed to connect with other architectural elements like columns and friezes, creating a harmonious composition.
4. The transition from the Gothic style to classical elements in Pisano's work reflects a broader shift in Early Renaissance art, emphasizing balance and proportion.
5. Pisano's architraves often reflect regional variations in design, indicating how local influences shaped his interpretation of classical architecture.

Review Questions

• How does Nicola Pisano's use of the architrave reflect classical influences in his work?
  • Nicola Pisano's use of the architrave showcases his deep appreciation for classical architecture by integrating it into his sculptures. The architrave serves not only as a structural element but also as a canvas for reliefs that narrate stories and themes from classical mythology and Christian iconography. This blend of functionality and decoration highlights how Pisano looked back to ancient Roman principles to enhance his own artistic expression during the Early Renaissance.
• Discuss the role of the architrave in connecting different architectural elements within Pisano's sculptures.
  • In Pisano's sculptures, the architrave plays a vital role in linking columns and friezes, contributing to an overall cohesive architectural design. By carefully considering its placement and decorative features, he created visual continuity that enhances the viewer's experience. The integration of these elements not only underscores the structural importance of the architrave but also exemplifies how Pisano synthesized various components to craft a unified aesthetic reflective of classical ideals.
• Evaluate how Nicola Pisano's interpretation of the architrave contributes to our understanding of the Early Renaissance movement's departure from Gothic styles.
  • Nicola Pisano's interpretation of the architrave marks a significant shift away from Gothic styles, which were characterized by intricate details and verticality. Instead, his use of the architrave emphasizes clarity, proportion, and harmony found in classical architecture. This move towards simplicity and balance is emblematic of the Early Renaissance movement's broader goals to revive ancient ideals and focus on human-centered design. By placing importance on architectural elements like the architrave, Pisano illustrates how artists were beginning to embrace a more rational approach to art and architecture that would define the era.

Related terms

entablature: The horizontal structure supported by columns, which includes the architrave, frieze, and cornice, forming a key component in classical architecture.

column: A vertical support element often used in classical architecture, typically featuring a base, shaft, and capital.

frieze: The middle section of the entablature, located above the architrave, often decorated with reliefs or inscriptions.