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"The upper plate of a column, beneath the architrave." — Williams, 1889

Abacus

"The upper plate of a column, beneath the architrave." — Williams, 1889

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave, frieze, and the cornice. The architrave (also called epistyle or door frame) is a moulded or ornamental band framing a rectangular opening. It is the lintel or beam that rests on the capitals of the columns.

Architrave of Entablature over Doorway at the Great Temple at Philæ

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns,…

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave, frieze, and the cornice. The term cornice comes from Italian cornice, meaning "ledge." Cornice molding is generally any horizontal decorative molding which crowns any building or furniture element: the cornice over a door or window, for instance, or the cornice around the edge of a pedestal. A simple cornice may be formed just with a crown molding.

Cornice of Entablature over Doorway at the Great Temple at Philæ

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns,…

A diagram showing the titles for different types of architecture.

Elements of an Architectural Order

A diagram showing the titles for different types of architecture.

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave—the supporting member carried from column to column, pier or wall immediately above; the frieze—an unmolded strip that may or may not be ornamented; and the cornice, the projecting member below the pediment. The structure of the entablature varies with the three classical orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. In each, the proportions of the subdivisions (architrave, frieze, cornice) are defined by the proportions of the column in the order. In Roman and Renaissance interpretations, it is usually around a fourth of the height of the column. Variants of entablature that do not fit these models are usually derived from them.

Entablanture

An entablature refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns,…

"The horizontal portion of an order, including cornice, frieze, and architrave, which is supported by the columns." — Williams, 1889

Entablature

"The horizontal portion of an order, including cornice, frieze, and architrave, which is supported by…

"Doric Entablature. E, entablature: a, epistyle or architrave; b, frieze; c, cornice." -Whitney, 1911

Doric Entablature

"Doric Entablature. E, entablature: a, epistyle or architrave; b, frieze; c, cornice." -Whitney, 1911

"A Frieze, in architecture, is that portion of the entablature which is between the architrave and the cornice. It was generally adorned with triglyphs in the Doric order. The term frieze was also applied to a broad band of sculpture, in low relief, that was frequently placed round the cella of a Grecian temple, immediately under the ceiling of the portico, and completely surrounding the exterior."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Drontheim Frieze

"A Frieze, in architecture, is that portion of the entablature which is between the architrave and the…

"A Frieze, in architecture, is that portion of the entablature which is between the architrave and the cornice. It was generally adorned with triglyphs in the Doric order. The term frieze was also applied to a broad band of sculpture, in low relief, that was frequently placed round the cella of a Grecian temple, immediately under the ceiling of the portico, and completely surrounding the exterior."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Roman-Doric Frieze

"A Frieze, in architecture, is that portion of the entablature which is between the architrave and the…

"A Frieze, in architecture, is that portion of the entablature which is between the architrave and the cornice. It was generally adorned with triglyphs in the Doric order. The term frieze was also applied to a broad band of sculpture, in low relief, that was frequently placed round the cella of a Grecian temple, immediately under the ceiling of the portico, and completely surrounding the exterior."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Roman-Doric Frieze

"A Frieze, in architecture, is that portion of the entablature which is between the architrave and the…

This Roman oblong panel is at the underside of the architrave (moulded band) of the Temple of Vespasian in Rome, Italy.

Roman Oblong Panel

This Roman oblong panel is at the underside of the architrave (moulded band) of the Temple of Vespasian…

"Corinthian Order. From the Monument of Lysicrates, at Athens." —D'Anvers, 1895

Corinthian order

"Corinthian Order. From the Monument of Lysicrates, at Athens." —D'Anvers, 1895

"Doric Order. From the Temple at Selinus." —D'Anvers, 1895

Doric Order

"Doric Order. From the Temple at Selinus." —D'Anvers, 1895

"Ionic order. From the Temple of Athene (Minerva) at Priene." —D'Anvers, 1895

Ionic order

"Ionic order. From the Temple of Athene (Minerva) at Priene." —D'Anvers, 1895

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was built originally 15 km south of Aswan in southern Egypt very close to the first cataract of the Nile and to the great religious center dedicated to the goddess Isis, in Philæ.

Great Temple at the Island of Philæ

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was…