In architecture, patera ( pl. paterae) is an ornamental circular or elliptical bas-relief disc. [1] [2] The patera is usually used to decorate friezes and walls, and to interrupt moldings. [3] Patera is also used in furniture-making. It can be carved, incised, inlaid, or even painted. [4] [5]
The patera is found in the ancient Roman architecture and in almost all later western styles of architecture. [6] The patera is used both within the civil and church architecture is usually made of marble or Istrian stone. It has a variable diameter between 20 and 80 cm, while the thickness is around 10 cm. The subject represented in the bas-relief is generally of floral or animal type, but there are also figures symbolizing trades or people. [7] Being mainly a decorative element, the patera may also perform an apotropaic function to keep away evil spirits.
patera architecture.
In architecture, patera ( pl. paterae) is an ornamental circular or elliptical bas-relief disc. [1] [2] The patera is usually used to decorate friezes and walls, and to interrupt moldings. [3] Patera is also used in furniture-making. It can be carved, incised, inlaid, or even painted. [4] [5]
The patera is found in the ancient Roman architecture and in almost all later western styles of architecture. [6] The patera is used both within the civil and church architecture is usually made of marble or Istrian stone. It has a variable diameter between 20 and 80 cm, while the thickness is around 10 cm. The subject represented in the bas-relief is generally of floral or animal type, but there are also figures symbolizing trades or people. [7] Being mainly a decorative element, the patera may also perform an apotropaic function to keep away evil spirits.
patera architecture.