An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Fig. 528. Pedestal of Column of Antoninus Pius.

Fig. 529. Pedestal of the Androsium at Athens.

Pedestal, Gen. The base of a structure; the base supporting a statue, group, or monumental column. A pedestal has three parts: the base or foot next the ground, the dado or die forming the centre, and the cornice or surbase mouldings at the top. Fig. [527] represents a half-section of the base of Trajan’s column at Rome; Fig. [528] a half-section of the base of the column dedicated to Antoninus Pius, and preserved in the Pio Clementino Museum at Rome; lastly, Fig. [529] gives a part of the pedestal or base of the Pandrosium at Athens; when, however, pedestals support caryatides or columns, they are more commonly called Stylobates (q.v.).

Pedica, R. (1) A snare by which an animal is caught by the foot (pes). (2) Fetters or irons worn on the feet by slaves.

Pediculated, Arch. Sustained or supported by a Pedicule (q.v.).

Pedicule, Arch. A small pillar which serves as a support to anything; whence the expressions monopediculated (with a single pedicule) (Fig. [387]), and polypediculated (with several pedicules).

Pediluvium. (See Ablutions.)

Pediment, Arch. The triangular crowning of a portico, usually supported by a row of columns. (Fig. [26].) The temples of antiquity generally had two pediments, one on each face. The inner part of the pediment is called the Tympanum (q.v.).