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An archivolt (or voussure) is an ornamental molding or band following the curve on the underside of an arch.^[1]^[2] It is composed of bands of ornamental moldings (or other architectural elements) surrounding an arched opening, corresponding to the architrave in the case of a rectangular opening. The word is sometimes used to refer to the under-side or inner curve of the arch itself (more properly, the intrados).

Etymology

The word originates in the Italian (or French) equivalents of the English words arch and vault.

Characteristics

Archivolts solve the aesthetic problem presented by openings in a thick wall, avoiding the sensation of a tunnel that they can generate.^[3] It is common for it to be adorned with reliefs, as its use spreads. Initially, geometric type decorations were made in the shape of saw teeth, checkered or dice, to later move to plant elements and finally it is decorated with sculptural elements of medium size (Saints, Apostles, etc.). The Portico de la Gloria of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a magnificent example of archivolts.

Gallery

Archivolts and tympanum from Strasbourg Cathedral, France
Entrance into Speyer Cathedral, Germany
Gateway into Orihuela Cathedral in Orihuela, Spain
A 1911 image showing the central church of the Church of St. John in Yaroslavl, Russia
14 archivolts enclose the Romanesque entranceway into the Monastery of Santa María de Sigena in Aragon, Spain

Footnotes

^ "Archivolt". Buffalo as an Architectural Museum. buffaloah.com. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
^ Ching, Francis D.K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 12. ISBN 0-471-28451-3.
^ Lajo, Rosina (D.L. 1990). Léxico de arte. José. Surroca. Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid: Akal. ISBN 84-7600-493-1. OCLC 433836330. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

References

University of Pittsburgh, Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture

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[1] "Archivolt". Buffalo as an Architectural Museum. buffaloah.com. Retrieved 12 August 2016.

[ching-2] Ching, Francis D.K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 12. ISBN 0-471-28451-3.

[3] Lajo, Rosina (D.L. 1990). Léxico de arte. José. Surroca. Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid: Akal. ISBN 84-7600-493-1. OCLC 433836330. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

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 == Characteristics ==
-Archivolts solve the aesthetic problem presented by openings in a thick wall, avoiding the sensation of a tunnel that they can generate. It is common for it to be adorned with reliefs, as its use spreads.
+Archivolts solve the aesthetic problem presented by openings in a thick wall, avoiding the sensation of a tunnel that they can generate.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lajo |first=Rosina |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/433836330 |title=Léxico de arte |date=D.L. 1990 |publisher=Akal |others=José. Surroca |isbn=84-7600-493-1 |location=Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid |oclc=433836330}}</ref> It is common for it to be adorned with reliefs, as its use spreads. Initially, geometric type decorations were made in the shape of saw teeth, checkered or dice, to later move to plant elements and finally it is decorated with sculptural elements of medium size (Saints, Apostles, etc.). The Portico de la Gloria of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a magnificent example of archivolts.
 ==Gallery==