Pilaster: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Decorative architectural element giving the appearance of a supporting column}}
{{Short description|Decorative architectural element giving the appearance of a supporting column}}
{{About||the racehorse| Pilaster (horse)|the building material|Plaster}}
{{for-multi|part of the human [[femur]]|Linea aspera|the racehorse|Pilaster (horse)|the building material|Plaster}}


[[File:Paris 06 - St Sulpice int 01.jpg|thumb|250px|Two decorative [[Corinthian architecture|Corinthian]] pilasters in the [[Church of Saint-Sulpice, Paris|Church of Saint-Sulpice]] (Paris)]]
[[File:Paris 06 - St Sulpice int 01.jpg|thumb|250px|Two decorative [[Corinthian architecture|Corinthian]] pilasters in the [[Church of Saint-Sulpice, Paris|Church of Saint-Sulpice]] (Paris)]]


In [[architecture]], a '''pilaster''' is both a load-bearing section of thickened wall or [[column]] integrated into a wall, and a purely decorative [[:Category:Architectural elements|element]] in [[classical architecture]] which gives the appearance of a supporting column and articulates an extent of wall. As an ornament it consists of a flat surface raised from the main wall surface, usually treated as though it were a column, with a [[Capital (architecture)|capital]] at the top, [[plinth]] (base) at the bottom, and the various other column elements. In contrast to a Classical pilaster, an [[engaged column]] or [[buttress]] can support the structure of a wall and roof above.
In [[architecture]], a '''pilaster''' is both a load-bearing section of thickened wall or [[column]] integrated into a wall, and a purely decorative [[:Category:Architectural elements|element]] in [[classical architecture]] which gives the appearance of a supporting column and articulates an extent of wall. As an ornament it consists of a flat surface raised from the main wall surface, usually treated as though it were a column, with a [[Capital (architecture)|capital]] at the top, [[plinth]] (base) at the bottom, and the various other column elements. In contrast to a Classical pilaster, an [[engaged column]] or [[buttress]] can support the structure of a wall and roof above.
In human [[anatomy]], a pilaster is a ridge that extends vertically across the [[femur]], which is unique to [[modern humans]]. Its structural function is unclear.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Smith |first1=Fred |last2=Cartmill |first2=Matt |title=The Human Lineage |date=20 September 2011 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1118211458 |page=601 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X058kYnhxC0C&pg=PT601}}</ref>


==Definition==
==Definition==
A pilaster is foremost a load-bearing architectural element used widely throughout the world and its history where a structural load is carried by a thickened section of wall or column integrated into a wall.
A pilaster is a load-bearing architectural element used widely throughout the world and its history where a structural load is carried by a thickened section of wall or column integrated into a wall.{{sfn|Drysdale|Hamid|2005|pp=444-445}}


It is also a purely [[Ornament (art)|ornamental]] element used in [[Classical architecture]]. As such it may be defined as a flattened column which has lost its three-dimensional and tactile value.".<ref name=wittLBAP>{{cite journal | journal = Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes | title = Alberti's Approach to Antiquity in Architecture | jstor = 750120 | last = Wittkower | first = Rudolf | volume = 4 | number = 1/2: Oct., 1940 - Jan., 1941 | page = 3 | date = 1940 | publisher = Warburg Institute | location = London | doi = 10.2307/750120 | s2cid = 195049595 }}</ref>
It is also a purely [[Ornament (art)|ornamental]] element used in [[Classical architecture]]. As such it may be defined as a flattened column which has lost its three-dimensional and tactile value.<ref name=wittLBAP>{{cite journal | journal = Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes | title = Alberti's Approach to Antiquity in Architecture | jstor = 750120 | last = Wittkower | first = Rudolf | volume = 4 | number = 1/2: Oct., 1940 - Jan., 1941 | page = 3 | date = 1940 | publisher = Warburg Institute | location = London | doi = 10.2307/750120 | s2cid = 195049595 }}</ref>


===In Classical architecture===
===In Classical architecture===
In discussing [[Leon Battista Alberti]]'s use of pilasters, which Alberti reintroduced into wall-architecture, [[Rudolf Wittkower]] wrote: "The pilaster is the logical transformation of the column for the decoration of a wall.
In discussing [[Leon Battista Alberti]]'s use of pilasters, which Alberti reintroduced into wall-architecture, [[Rudolf Wittkower]] wrote: "The pilaster is the logical transformation of the column for the decoration of a wall."


A pilaster appears with a [[capital (architecture)|capital]].<ref>A useful phrase to identify a section of pilaster without a capital, with only its fluting to identify its relation to a column, is "pilaster strip".</ref> and [[entablature]], also in "low-[[relief]]" or flattened against the wall. Generally, a pilaster often repeats all parts and proportions of an order column; however, unlike it, a pilaster is usually devoid of [[entasis]].
A pilaster appears with a [[capital (architecture)|capital]]<ref>A useful phrase to identify a section of pilaster without a capital, with only its fluting to identify its relation to a column, is "pilaster strip".</ref> and [[entablature]], also in "low-[[relief]]" or flattened against the wall. Generally, a pilaster often repeats all parts and proportions of an order column; however, unlike it, a pilaster is usually devoid of [[entasis]].


Pilasters often appear on the sides of a door frame or window opening on the [[facade]] of a building, and are sometimes paired with columns or [[Column|pillar]]s set directly in front of them at some distance away from the wall, which support a roof structure above, such as a [[portico]]. These vertical elements can also be used to support a recessed [[archivolt]] around a doorway. The pilaster can be replaced by ornamental [[Bracket (architecture)|brackets]] supporting the entablature or a balcony over a doorway.
Pilasters often appear on the sides of a door frame or window opening on the [[facade]] of a building, and are sometimes paired with columns or [[Column|pillar]]s set directly in front of them at some distance away from the wall, which support a roof structure above, such as a [[portico]]. These vertical elements can also be used to support a recessed [[archivolt]] around a doorway. The pilaster can be replaced by ornamental [[Bracket (architecture)|brackets]] supporting the entablature or a balcony over a doorway.
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When a pilaster appears at the corner intersection of two walls it is known as a '''canton'''.<ref>Ching, Francis D. K. (1995). ''A Visual Dictionary of Architecture''. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. {{ISBN|0-442-02462-2}}, p. 266.</ref>
When a pilaster appears at the corner intersection of two walls it is known as a '''canton'''.<ref>Ching, Francis D. K. (1995). ''A Visual Dictionary of Architecture''. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. {{ISBN|0-442-02462-2}}, p. 266.</ref>


As with a column, a pilaster can have a plain or fluted surface to its profile and can be represented in the mode of numerous architectural styles. During the [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]] and [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] architects used a range of pilaster forms.<ref>{{Citation | title= Pilaster Play|author= Mark Jarzombek|author-link= Mark Jarzombek| journal=  Thresholds | url= http://web.mit.edu/mmj4/www/downloads/thresholds28.pdf | volume= 28 (Winter 2005)| pages=34–41}}</ref> In the [[giant order]] pilasters appear as two storeys tall, linking floors in a single unit.
As with a column, a pilaster can have a plain or fluted surface to its profile and can be represented in the mode of numerous architectural styles. During the [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]] and [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] architects used a range of pilaster forms.<ref>{{Citation | title= Pilaster Play|author= Mark Jarzombek|author-link= Mark Jarzombek| journal=  Thresholds | url= https://web.mit.edu/mmj4/www/downloads/thresholds28.pdf | volume= 28 (Winter 2005)| pages=34–41}}</ref> In the [[giant order]] pilasters appear as two storeys tall, linking floors in a single unit.


The fashion of using this decorative element from [[Ancient Greek architecture|ancient Greek]] and [[Ancient Roman architecture|Roman architecture]] was adopted in the [[Italian Renaissance]], gained wide popularity with [[Greek Revival architecture]], and continues to be seen in some modern architecture.
The fashion of using this decorative element from [[Ancient Greek architecture|ancient Greek]] and [[Ancient Roman architecture|Roman architecture]] was adopted in the [[Italian Renaissance]], gained wide popularity with [[Greek Revival architecture]], and continues to be seen in some modern architecture.
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Lyon - 20 rue Gasparin - Lion ailé.JPG|A pair of pilasters flanking a door in [[Lyon]] (France)
Lyon - 20 rue Gasparin - Lion ailé.JPG|A pair of pilasters flanking a door in [[Lyon]] (France)


4 Vynnychenka Street, Lviv (10).jpg|Two pilasters in [[Lviv]], ([[Ukraine]])
4 Vynnychenka Street, Lviv (10).jpg|Two pilasters in [[Lviv]] ([[Ukraine]])


6 Zavodska Street, Lviv (04).jpg|Capital of a [[Doric order|Doric]] pilaster from [[Lviv]]
6 Zavodska Street, Lviv (04).jpg|Capital of a [[Doric order|Doric]] pilaster from [[Lviv]]
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{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==References==
==Sources==
* {{Cite book |last1=Drysdale |first1=Robert G. |last2=Hamid |first2=Ahmad A. |date=2005 |chapter=Columns and Pilasters |title=Masonry Structures: Behaviour and Design |url=https://archive.org/details/masonrystructure0000drys/page/n1/mode/2up |pages=429–452 |isbn=978-0-9737209-0-7}}
* Lewis, Philippa, and Gillian Darley (1986). ''Dictionary of Ornament''.  New York: Pantheon.
* Lewis, Philippa, and Gillian Darley (1986). ''Dictionary of Ornament''.  New York: Pantheon.


Latest revision as of 21:26, 18 November 2025

Template:Short description Template:For-multi

File:Paris 06 - St Sulpice int 01.jpg
Two decorative Corinthian pilasters in the Church of Saint-Sulpice (Paris)

In architecture, a pilaster is both a load-bearing section of thickened wall or column integrated into a wall, and a purely decorative element in classical architecture which gives the appearance of a supporting column and articulates an extent of wall. As an ornament it consists of a flat surface raised from the main wall surface, usually treated as though it were a column, with a capital at the top, plinth (base) at the bottom, and the various other column elements. In contrast to a Classical pilaster, an engaged column or buttress can support the structure of a wall and roof above.

Definition

A pilaster is a load-bearing architectural element used widely throughout the world and its history where a structural load is carried by a thickened section of wall or column integrated into a wall.Template:Sfn

It is also a purely ornamental element used in Classical architecture. As such it may be defined as a flattened column which has lost its three-dimensional and tactile value.[1]

In Classical architecture

In discussing Leon Battista Alberti's use of pilasters, which Alberti reintroduced into wall-architecture, Rudolf Wittkower wrote: "The pilaster is the logical transformation of the column for the decoration of a wall."

A pilaster appears with a capital[2] and entablature, also in "low-relief" or flattened against the wall. Generally, a pilaster often repeats all parts and proportions of an order column; however, unlike it, a pilaster is usually devoid of entasis.

Pilasters often appear on the sides of a door frame or window opening on the facade of a building, and are sometimes paired with columns or pillars set directly in front of them at some distance away from the wall, which support a roof structure above, such as a portico. These vertical elements can also be used to support a recessed archivolt around a doorway. The pilaster can be replaced by ornamental brackets supporting the entablature or a balcony over a doorway.

When a pilaster appears at the corner intersection of two walls it is known as a canton.[3]

As with a column, a pilaster can have a plain or fluted surface to its profile and can be represented in the mode of numerous architectural styles. During the Renaissance and Baroque architects used a range of pilaster forms.[4] In the giant order pilasters appear as two storeys tall, linking floors in a single unit.

The fashion of using this decorative element from ancient Greek and Roman architecture was adopted in the Italian Renaissance, gained wide popularity with Greek Revival architecture, and continues to be seen in some modern architecture.

Gallery

See also

Notes

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ A useful phrase to identify a section of pilaster without a capital, with only its fluting to identify its relation to a column, is "pilaster strip".
  3. ↑ Ching, Francis D. K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. Template:ISBN, p. 266.
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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Sources

  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  • Lewis, Philippa, and Gillian Darley (1986). Dictionary of Ornament. New York: Pantheon.

External links

Template:Sister project Template:Sister project Template:Classical orders Template:Authority control

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