A well-known example of a pediment is found atop the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Like many Greek pediments, it is supported by columns and decorated with sculptural reliefs illustrating scenes from Greek mythology. Although the Parthenon and most Greek monuments were constructed of white marble, historical references of the time indicate that these pediments were brightly painted, in keeping with their mythic and celebratory nature. The ancient Greek pediments were both structural and decorative.
Beginning with Roman architecture, pediments took on a strictly decorative function which continued through the Renaissance and into later architectural revivals. In the Renaissance--besides being used over doors and windows--pediments began to be used to adorn any sort of roof end. In addition to triangular and domed, variations evolved including the elegant Swan's Neck, where the top edges take the form of mirror image S-shapes.
Classical pediments include the unbroken triangle and rounded or domed pediment. These unbroken pediments form a solid frame enclosing the decorative space. In revival styles, the decorative space is frequently left blank. They are typical of Greek, Colonial and Georgian Revival styles--as well as Neoclassical, Italianate and Beaux Arts.
These pediments are not surrounded by a continuous frame, but they have an opening either at the apex of the triangle or the base (sometimes both). The gap is often filled with an urn, a seal or a flower. They are most often placed above windows. Sometimes they are situated at the top of the building facade. Broken pediments are most common in Queen Anne, Neoclassical, Georgian, or Colonial style buildings.
By the 18th century, pediments were so popular that designers brought them indoors. Thomas Chippendale, inspired by working with Neoclassical architect Robert Adam in the 1760s, began to design large furniture pieces with elaborately carved wooden pediments. Wardrobes, china cupboards and bedsteads were topped with architectural-styled pediments by Chippendale and those he inspired.