Illustrated Architecture Dictionary
Illustrated Architecture Dictionary
Triglyphs
TRY glif
The grooved projecting blocks between the metopes in a Doric frieze
Triglyphs are vertical blocks, usually aligned over and between each column. They consist of two vertical grooves (glyphs), bordered by two hemi- or half-glyphs (hence the triglyph or three-glyph).
Triglyphs are distinctive in the Doric order.Origin of triglyphs: In early times, before stone was substituted for wood in Greek temples, the ends of beams that projected beyond walls were cut off and ornamented with boards painted with blue wax.
Guttae (drops) are small drop-like projections carved under the triglyphs (and in the mutules under the cornice)
Found in classical Greek and Roman architecture and derivatives, including Beaux Arts Classicism, Classical Revival, Federal, Georgian Revival, Greek Revival, Neoclassicism, Renaissance Revival, Second Empire
Examples from Buffalo architecture::
- Illustration above: Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society Museum
- Fairfax Hotel, 715 Delaware Ave.
- Forest Lawn Administration Building
- Buswell Mausoleum
- Letchworth-Skinner Mausoleum
- 177 Bidwell Pkwy.
- 172 Linwood Ave.
- 63 Bryant Ave.
- 25 Lexington Ave.
- Fireplace - Silverthorne House
Examples from Europe:
