Tympanum (architecture)

A tympanum (: tympana; from Greek and Latin words meaning "drum") is the semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance, door or window, which is bounded by a lintel and an arch. It often contains pedimental sculpture or other imagery or ornaments. Many architectural styles include this element.

Alternatively, the tympanum may hold an inscription, or in modern times, a clock face.

History
In ancient Greek, Roman and Church architecture, tympana of religious buildings often contain pedimental sculpture or mosaics with religious imagery. A tympanum over a doorway is very often the most important, or only, location for monumental sculpture on the outside of a building. In classical architecture and in classicizing styles from the Renaissance onwards, prominent examples are usually triangular; in Romanesque architecture, tympana more often have a semi-circular shape or that of a thinner slice from the top of a circle, and in Gothic architecture they have a more vertical shape, coming to a point at the top. These shapes naturally influence the typical compositions of any sculpture within the tympanum.

The upper portion of a gable when enclosed with a horizontal belt course, is also termed a tympanum.

Bands of molding surrounding the tympanum are called the archivolt.

In medieval French architecture, the tympanum is often supported by a decorated pillar called a trumeau.