Tympanum n., pl. -na [Medieval Latin, from Latin, drum, from Greek tumpanon.] In Architecture:
a. The ornamental recessed space or panel enclosed by the cornices of a triangular pediment.
b. A similar space between an arch and the lintel of a portal or window.
Our new design has three new spaces that we can consider a tympanum. We’re fortunate that we have many examples from history of how various architects/artists filled the space above the doors.
Here are a few examples from classic architecture.
Tympanum of the central bay at the Royal portal of Chartres Cathedral:
The Last Judgment, from the west portal of St. Lazare, Autun, France:
The Last Judgment, from St. Denis, France:
St. Marks, Venice, Italy:
Saint Mark’s, Philadelphia, USA:
Portal of St. Mark's in Philadelphia
Wikipedia has a few more examples here:
UPDATE: More Architecture 101 here:
- Sacred Architecture for Dummies
- Inside your Church (Parts of a Church)
- Built of Living Stones
- Romans, New Romans, Goths and Pearls
- Romanesque, Sant’Ambrosio
- CAD and ChurchBuilder
- Eight Historic Italian Churches
- The Nave
- 1400 Years as a Catholic Church
