pedestal


pedestal

In Classical architecture, a support or base for a column, statue, vase, or obelisk. It may be square, octagonal, or circular. A single pedestal may also support a group of columns, or colonnade (see podium). The pedestal, which was first employed by Roman architects, consists (from bottom to top) of three parts: the plinth, the dado (or die), and the cornice (or cap).

This entry comes from Encyclopædia Britannica Concise.
For the full entry on pedestal, visit Britannica.com.

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