frieze

A horizontal band of low reliefs on a wall. In Classical architecture, friezes occupy the area above the architrave and below the cornice.

Zeus Altar, 180-60 BC: Frieze Detail — Detail of frieze on the Zeus Altar from Pergamum, modern Turkey, 180-160 BC. Pergamon Museum, Berlin, Germany. Image credit: David Joyal

Quick Facts on frieze

Go Historic ID

474

Getty AAT ID

300123582

Term Type

object (non-fine-art) type (e.g. hats)

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Definition

Extended horizontal bands decorating architecture, furniture, or other objects and containing figures, scenes, inscriptions, or ornamental motifs. For the specific parts of classical entablatures, see "friezes (entablature components)."

Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT)®