| ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE (View images of the Five Orders) |
An order consists of a column with base (except in the Greek Doric), shaft, and capital and its entablature. Each order has its own formalized ornament. The orders are the basis of architectural design the classical tradition, providing lessons in proportion, scale and the uses of
ornament. The five orders are Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite. |
| OVOLO |
A convex molding, either elliptical or quarterround. See MOLDINGS |
| PATERA (PATERAE, pl.) |
An ornament, usually in the form of a rosette, to be found in coffers. |
| PALMETTE |
See ANTHEMION. |
| PEARLS |
A small molding resembling a string of pearls. Also known as BEADS.
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| PEDESTAL |
A base for a column, pilaster, or statue. Also, a post in a balustrade. See BALUSTRADE. |
| PEDIMENT |
A triangular gable with a wall, called a tympanum, framed by a cornice. Originating with the Greek temple, it is found today crowning an entablature, a door, or a window. When it has round cornice instead of two sides of a triangle, round or segmental pediment. |
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| PENDENTIVE |
A triangular curved surface between two arches and beneath a dome. |
| PIANO NOBLE |
See BEL ÉTAGE. |
| PIER |
 A heavy vertical mass of masonry used for support with none of the details of a column. |
| PILASTER |
A vertical rectangular projection from a wall,
treated like a column with base, shaft, and capital. |
| PLINTH |
An additional base beneath the base of a column, or pilaster, or baluster. A plinth course is a continuous plinth serving as base to a number of columns, pilasters, or balusters (balustrade). |
| POST |
An upright supporting member. |
| PULVINATED |
Pillow-shaped, as in the curved profile of a frieze, such as in a pulvinated frieze. It is also found in rustication, where the stones are given a pillow shape. |
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