Which component is the lowest part of the entablature?

Which component is the lowest part of the entablature?

• A. Architrave
• B. Frieze
• C. Cornice
• D. Triglyph

Answer: (A)

In classical architecture, the entablature is the horizontal structure above the columns and is divided into three bands from bottom to top: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. The architrave is the lowest band, sitting directly on the capitals and acting as the lintel that carries the weight above. The frieze rests on the architrave and may be decorated with elements like metopes or triglyphs in the Doric order. The cornice forms the upper projecting edge that crowns the entablature. A triglyph is a decorative feature within the frieze, not a separate horizontal band, so it isn’t the lowest component. Therefore, the architrave is the lowest part of the entablature.

In classical architecture, the entablature is the horizontal structure above the columns and is divided into three bands from bottom to top: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. The architrave is the lowest band, sitting directly on the capitals and acting as the lintel that carries the weight above. The frieze rests on the architrave and may be decorated with elements like metopes or triglyphs in the Doric order. The cornice forms the upper projecting edge that crowns the entablature. A triglyph is a decorative feature within the frieze, not a separate horizontal band, so it isn’t the lowest component. Therefore, the architrave is the lowest part of the entablature.