We are used to decorating the walls of our houses only with wallpaper and baguettes. But besides this, you can diversify your interior with the help of many other methods. In this article we will talk about what a frieze in architecture is. Photos with examples of various ways of its application, information about what and how it is made of will be present in the text. People with different incomes can afford to decorate their house with friezes, because they come in different shapes and sizes, are made not only from expensive, but also from the cheapest materials. They do not need to be used, placing around the perimeter of the structure. It is enough to frame the most important part, such as the facade.
What is a frieze?
The frieze in architecture is a wide central part of the entablature; it can be an ionic or Doric order or decorated with bas-reliefs. Even if there are no columns or pilasters, the frieze is located on the architrave (which is the lower part of the entablature), and is crowned with a cornice. The frieze is used in the architecture of ancient Greek temples, palaces, the most famous and skillful of them - the Parthenon, can be cited as an example the ancient octagonal wind tower in Athens.
Also, the frieze is found in the architectural style of classicism. Let us cite the example of the city of St. Petersburg, where the frieze in architecture is often found. This is Kazan Cathedral, the Winter Palace, the Tauride Palace and so on.
What material is friezes made of?
There are a lot of materials for their creation. Some may allow to decorate the friezes of their palaces with gold leaf, cut them out of wood, ivory or various rocks, PVC, cast from gypsum, plaster, as well as high-quality steel.
You can often find gypsum friezes, as they are easier and less expensive to make. The finished silicone mold is taken, then liquid gypsum is poured. After drying, they can decorate the rooms of rooms. But, as you know, it is not permissible for gypsum to be at high humidity, since it will begin to collapse. So they do not adorn the facades of buildings, only the premises.
Where are friezes applied?
In the simple sense of the word, a frieze in architecture is a strip decorated with ornaments or reliefs. Usually they decorate the upper part of the structure, indoors - ceilings and walls. They decorate buildings and not only facades. A frieze strip can frame the entire perimeter of the building. It can be located on temples, palaces, towers and even bridges, depending on what the architect had an idea. And it is interesting what an arched frieze is in architecture. We are accustomed to hearing that he is on buildings. But where exactly? Just it is placed above everything that may resemble or be an arch - above a window, a front door (usually it has a dimensional door, which cannot do without a frieze), a balcony and, finally, over an arch. An example is the arch of the General Staff Building on Palace Square.
The interior is also decorated with friezes. For example, it is placed under the very ceiling or above the door. The same principle is a narrow or wide strip filled with reliefs with various plots or uncomplicated ornaments. Imitation of frieze is also used - the usual flat or convex sticker.
In what structures are friezes found?
Maison Carré in Nimes (16 BC). In this photo you can see that here the frieze in architecture is a strip located along the perimeter of the temple on top of the column capitals.
As a rule, Greek and Roman temples had either a frieze, or alternating triglyphs and metopes instead, but sometimes (as in the Parthenon) other details may be present in the architecture of the temple.
In India, for example, there are friezes at the Sun Temple in Konarak. These friezes are not necessarily located above the columns; they can be used in different places of the temple.
In Russia, Kazan Cathedral, located in St. Petersburg, is a striking example of the use of friezes. They crown the columns of the temple, but do not differ in intricate shapes.
What happens on the friezes
During construction, depending on the budget, voluminous sculptures or reliefs of various sizes can be located on the friezes. Popular images include stories from ancient Greek myths, biblical characters or events. Greek deities such as Aphrodite, Cupid and Psyche, Apollo, beautiful nymphs and others can be placed.
What is depicted in the frieze depends on the purpose of the building. The library will correspond to a frieze with the goddess of wisdom Minerva, at the academy of arts or theater, Apollo will probably be depicted with her muses, on the courthouse - the goddess of justice Themis, on the registry office - small cupids. That's what an arched frieze is. In the architecture of the temple, it is usually complex and with a lot of details. But what kind of budget was laid in the building, this is what a frieze can do. Ordinary ornaments that do not have a specific meaning are also used, and are used only as a decor.