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By
Matt Tooker and Andrew Bigam
The archivolt is the subdivision of the portal that shows the actual arch, seen here.
The tympanum is the flat part of the portal surrounded by the archivolt, as seen here.
Etymology of archivolt
Archivolt derives from the latin roots arcus and volvere.
Arcus means bow or arch.
Volvere means to roll.
The english translation originated from the french word archivolte and the Italian word archivolto.
Notice that there are
7 rows of sculpture.
7 is considered a holy
number and the architects
believed that using this
number as well as others,
made the building more
perfect and more holy.
There are 6 sculptures standing
on either side of the entrance.
This adds up to 12. This mostly
depicts the 12 apostles. Once
again the architects believed
that using these specific numbers
made their building more holy.
Notice how there are many figures
lining the rows of the archivolt. This
is an example of manifestatio by
taking the solid ogive arch and breaking
it down into 7 rows, then breaking it
down again into the multitude of figures
which you see here.
The Significance
This video shows more of the faith used
in creating the cathedrals. The archivolts
and tympanum were some of the first things
visitors saw as they made their pilgrimages
to these great cathedrals. Most of those who visited were illiterate, and these sculptures, working as 'encyclopedias' were vital in educating the masses about Christian theology.
This is the ogive arch.
Again, notice the pointed top. This is the key feature of the ogive arch.
However this is not where the arch originated
from.
This is the Roman Arch
This is the original arch. Notice the rounded top which pushes the weight of the load outward, requiring massive buttresses and thick walls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, through the use of numbers and multiplicity incorporated in Christian faith, the archivolts and tympanums used in many Gothic cathedrals display symbolic religious sculpture that demonstrates a sense of God's unified and infinite power over all things.
The archivolt and tympanum of these cathedrals are more commonly known as the portal, or entry way into the building.
Cathedrals
Beginning in 11th century Europe, many devout Christians wanted to praise their God in the mightiest of methods. One imaginative display was to build massive monuments of their faith- the Gothic Cathedrals. By stretching the building's dimensions to the extremes, the reverent believed that this enormous display of their spirituality and devotion to Christ would please their God and strengthen their relationship, thus bringing them closer to salvation.
Archivolt
Tympanum
Here is a religious display on the portal of the Chartres Cathedral in France. On the tympanum you see a depiction of Jesus Christ sitting upon a throne and blessing with his right hand. This symbolizes how God cares for and blesses all of his people, and him sitting on a kingly throne; a display of his overpowering and infinite unity above all things.
Faith and Religion
Archivolts and tympanums often displayed symbolic religious sculpture to represent a sense of God's infinite and unified power over all things. They were considered the doorways into the cathedrals, but also much more. They often depicted captivating scenes from the Holy Bible, such as Christ's crucifixion and the last supper. A very common display on these decorations was countless angels observing the holy community. This technique is called multiplicity- that is when a design repeats shapes, symbols, or structures to increase the sanctity of God, Jesus, and Mary.
Specifically here on the portal of Amiens Cathedral, the archivolt displays abounding and seemingly infinite overseeing angels. This is a symbol that conveys the idea that all of God's children on Earth, including Jesus and his followers featured on the tympanum, are perpetually being watched and protected from all angles; indefinitely by God.
"Were there no God, we would be in this glorious world with grateful hearts, and no one to thank." -Christina Rossetti
On how God's unified and infinite power is essential to us all.
Through the use of numbers and multiplicity incorporated in Christian faith, the archivolts and tympanums used in many Gothic cathedrals display symbolic religious sculpture that demonstrates a sense of God's unified and infinite power over all things.
Archivolts and Tympanum display divine order as well as the infinite power of God through the use of Multiplicity, Manifestatio and sacred numbers.
Logic of the Archivolt and
Tympanum
Sacred numbers in Archivolts and Tympanum
Origin of the
Archivolt
The archivolt stemmed from the
ogive arch. The ogive arch had a
pointed top in comparison to the
original roman arch. The pointed
top allowed for taller and thinner
walls to be built of top of them
because more of the load was sent
straight to the ground as opposed
to outwards.
Bible stories told through the
archivolt
Start here
Finish here
Kapusta, Steven N. "Archivolt."
Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 1 December 2013.
Physik, John. "Decorative Sculpture on the
exterior of the Victoria and Albert Museum." Victoria and Albert Museum. 1978, revised 2007. Web. 4 December 2013.
Benedict XVI. "General Audience of Pope
Benedict XVI." General Audience of Pope Benedict XVI. Vatican, 18 November 2009. Web. 6 December 2013.
Kirkby, Andrea. "How to Read a Gothic
Cathedral Facade" Youtube. 19, April 2008. Web. 11 December 2013.
Rossetti, Christina. Search Quotes. Web. 11
December 2012.
Sacred numbers in Archivolts
and Tympanum
Notice that there are 7 rows of
sculptures. 7 is considered a
very holy number.
Notice that there are specifically 5 figures.
Notice the 6 figures on either side of the
entrance. This adds up to 12, most likely
representing the apostles.
Image by Tom Mooring
These astonishing cathedrals, often enticing people for their holy relics, became the destination of continuous pilgrimages, where anyone in the public could pause in prayer for their savior.