Entablature

Originally this oak entablatureEntablatureArchitectural term for the horizontal section supported by the columns of a classical building. In Graeco-Roman architecture, the entablature includes an architrave, frieze and cornice. formed part of the panelling in a private house. Presumably, it also included cupboards and a box bed. This kind of luxury panelling was exceptional even in the sixteenth century; today it is extremely rare. This splendid example comes from Enkhuizen. The friezeFriezeA frieze is a horizontal band of motifs or figures, either painted or carved. The term comes from classical architecture. In classical buildings the columns support an entablature. The frieze is the middle part of this entablature. The frieze is often divided into alternate blocks of triglyphs and metopes. Triglyphs have three grooves, the metopes are decorated with relief depictions. The triglyphs hark back to the original function of the frieze, to conceal the ends of the beams. would, at first glance, appear to depict a continuous scene, but in fact the tableaux tell separate stories. They would have served as a reminder to the owner of the house of female beauty and of the dangers of immoral conduct.