Frieze

In architecture the frieze is the wide central section part of an entablature and may be plain or — in the Ionic or Corinthian order — decorated with bas-reliefs. It lies upon the architrave ('main beam') and is capped by the moldings of the cornice.

Related Topics:
Architecture - Entablature - Ionic - Corinthian order - Bas-relief - Architrave - Molding - Cornice

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In a looser sense, the frieze of a room is the section of wall above the picture rail under the crown moldings or cornice. By extension, a frieze is a long band of painted or modelled decoration in such a position, above eye-level.

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The octagonal Tower of the Winds in the Roman agora at Athens bears sculptures of the eight winds on its frieze.

Related Topics:
Tower of the Winds - Agora - Athens

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This concept has been generalized in the mathematical construction of Frieze patterns.

Related Topics:
Mathematical - Frieze pattern

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