Terminology - Art and Architecture in Prague
Terminology, Styles, Orders
Art and Architecture of Prague
General Architectural Terminology
Tympanum: The recessed triangular space forming the center of a pediment, typically above a doorway.
Acroteria: Decorative elements positioned at the apex and corners of a pediment.
Pediment: The triangular upper part of a building’s front, often adorned with sculptures.
Entablature: A horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Stylobate: The upper step of the base of a temple, upon which columns stand.
Stereobate: The substructure or platform upon which a temple sits.
Greek Architecture Example
Greek Temple, Paestum, Italy: 6th century BC example showcasing classical architectural principles.
Notable Architectural Examples
National Museum, Prague: Constructed in 1891, significant for its architectural style.
Capitol, Washington D.C.: Early 19th century example of classical revival architecture.
Orders of Architecture
Doric: The simplest of the classical orders, characterized by sturdy columns without bases and a plain capital.
Ionic: Recognized by its fluted columns and scroll-like volutes at the capital.
Corinthian: The most ornate order, distinguished by a slender silhouette and elaborate acanthus leaves at the capital.
Tuscan: A simplified version of Doric with a base.
Key Elements of Columns
Dentils: Small, rectangular blocks used in a cornice.
Abacus: The flat slab on top of the capital of a column.
Echinus: The rounded section at the upper part of the capital.
Annuli: Rings around the shaft of a column.
Fluting: Vertical grooves on the shaft of a column.
Volute: Spiral scroll-like ornament at the capital of Ionic columns.
Acorn: A decorative element resembling an acorn at the top of a column.
Plinth: The base or platform upon which a column stands.
Details of the Entablature
Cornice: The uppermost section of the entablature, projecting over the frieze.
Frieze: The middle section of the entablature, often decorated with reliefs or inscriptions.
Triglyph: A three-grooved element of the frieze in Doric order.
Metope: The plain or decorated panel between triglyphs in a frieze.
Guttae: Small, drop-like ornaments hanging from the cornice in the Doric order.
Vault Types
Barrel Vault: A continuous series of arches forming a tunnel-like structure.
Groin Vault: Formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults.
Coved Vault: A curved vault that transitions from a flat ceiling to the vault.
Domical Vault: A dome-shaped vault that is typically hemispherical.
Roof Types
Hip Roof: A roof where all sides slope down toward the walls.
Gambrel Roof: A type of roof with two slopes on each side, steep on the bottom and flatter on top (UK).
Hipped Roof: Similar to hip but with a gable feature.
Mansard Roof: Similar to gambrel, but typically with a flat top and vertical walls (UK and US).
Helm Roof: A roof structure usually associated with pyramidal roofs.
Romanesque Architecture (10th-13th Century)
Characteristics: Influenced by the Přemyslid dynasty, featuring thick walls, rounded arches, and sturdy piers.
Rotunda: Circular building typically capped with a dome.
Example of Romanesque Architecture
Rotunda of Holy Cross, Prague: Mid 12th century example showcasing Romanesque features.
Basilica Structure
Basilica Components: Includes an atrium, chapel, altar, narthex, nave, aisle, and tribune.
Ground Plan Characteristics: Central nave with aisles on either side, typically wider than the nave itself.
Clerestory Windows: High windows that provide light to the nave, typically above the aisle roof.
Westwork: The monumental, western entrance of a basilica, often with towers.
Example of a Basilica
Basilica of St. George, Prague: Dating from the 10th-12th century, indicative of Romanesque style.
Gothic Architecture (1230-end of 15th Century)
Characteristics: Evolved during the Přemyslid, Luxembourg, and Jagiello dynasties. Features include pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
Decorated Elements: Such as tracery, finials, crocketing, and panelling.
Example of Gothic Cathedral
Cathedral of St. Vitus, Prague: Construction began in 1344 and continued until 1929. Features notable Gothic elements including pointed arches and flying buttresses.
Renaissance Architecture (16th Century)
Prominent Dynasties: Jagiellos, Habsburgs.
Architectural Features: Domes, and the use of classic elements such as columns and pilasters.
Cupola: A small dome on a larger structure.
Distinct Features of Renaissance Architecture
Parts of a Dome:
Drum: The vertical section upon which the dome rests.
Pendentive: A curved triangle of vaulting formed by the intersection of a dome with its supporting structure.
Example of Renaissance Aedicule and Arcade
Basilica of St. George: Southern portal from the early 16th century.
Baroque Architecture (17th-18th Century)
Characteristics: Grandiosity and elaborate ornamentation prevalent during the Habsburg dynasty.
Onion Dome: A dome shaped like an onion, typical in Eastern Europe.
Colossal Order: A style where pilasters or columns rise through two or more stories.
Key Elements in Baroque Design
Decorative Motifs: Includes scrolls, putti, keystones, and various window types like bull's eye and casula windows.
Example of Baroque Architecture
Church of Our Lady of Victory, Prague: Completed in 1611, exemplifies Baroque style with elaborate decorations.
Palace/Château Plans
Piano Nobile: The main floor of a palace, usually housing the primary living areas.
Cour d'honneur: The principal courtyard of a chateau.
Corps de logis: The main building of the chateau, typically housing the main rooms.