The architectural design of the Thymele (Tholos) is a beautifully proportionate Classic Greek temple. An outwardly restrained and clean limbed structure.
The real genius of the architecture, indeed - one of the greatest accomplishments, is the sparing and subtle use of ornate decoration.
Recreating the Thymele has been achieved in carefully examining the existing archaeology, analysing the fragmentary evidence available from antiquity and only then recreating the architecture of the building.
In reconstructing the Thymele architecture we have begun our process by examining the original structural plans which we have carefully redrawn to understand each phase.
From the foundations to the very top (finial) of the Thymele.
Our scientific advisor provided clarification on problematic individual structures, which were many and varied, from the design of the roof to the design of the door - an item for which no existing evidence exists.
The gallery below shows the 'work-in-progress' stage by stage in the reconstruction of a masterpiece
in marble.
Decoration and colour
The most decorative aspect is in the interior. To see this you would have to look up within
the centre chamber. Here you would see between the ornate Corinthian Columns and the
outer wall an artistic 'tour-de-force' of the sculptors art. 42 sections complete 360 degrees.
Each individual section a display of egg and dart borders, recessed inner sections with
a central flower, surrounded by leaf, and finally on each side - a recessed scrollwork
of flowers and stems.
Applying colour to the sculptural decoration of the Thymele when no substantial evidence
exists on the many marble fragments of the coffers, entablature and central corinthian
columns is problematical.
However, by examining the evidence from contemporary archaeology and the limited colour
palette of the Greek architects at this period we have been able to 'propose' a solution to
the 'problem' of the application of colour.
Of course this can be a contentious factor in our modern day reconstruction and the images
in the gallery above are part of an extended experiment that is still ongoing. Happily we
are able - with our technology to propose a number of schemes, render them and then
consider the probability of authenticity.
for more
http://www.thymeleofepidaurus.co.uk/index.php/thymele-architecture
http://www.thymeleofepidaurus.co.uk/index.php/thymele-architecture
Above: the result of two years
collaborative work for the
team. Creating the most accurate
model existing of the Thymele.
Under the guidance and
supervision of John Svolos.
You can see our achievement
by visiting the menu above:
'Thymele Architecture'
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