An epigraph is a textual inscription applied to a building — usually carved in stone, cast in metal or moulded in plaster. It typically records a construction date, a founder, a biblical verse, a motto or the function of the building. The study of inscriptions is called epigraphy.
Locations on a building
Epigraphs are commonly found at these positions:
- Tympanum — above the main entrance
- Architrave — on the horizontal beam above columns
- Plaque — a separate stone built into the wall
- Cartouche — a decorative frame containing an inscription
- Keystone — above an arch or gate
What does it say?
Frequent content:
- Construction year — often in Roman numerals (MDCCCLXXIV = 1874)
- Name of the founder or patron
- Biblical verses — on churches and chapels
- Mottoes — for instance “Concordia Res Parvae Crescunt”
- Function — “School 1923”, “Town Hall”
- Coats of arms — often combined with a text
Materials
| Material | Application |
|---|---|
| Limestone, sandstone | Building plaques, memorials |
| Marble | Prestigious buildings, tombs |
| Bronze | Memorial plates, names |
| Plaster | Interior façade decoration |
| Mosaic | Above entrances, decorative |
History
Epigraphs date back to antiquity. The Romans were masters of monumental inscriptions, as seen on Trajan’s Column in Rome. In Britain, churches, almshouses and Georgian townhouses often carry founder’s plaques and date stones. In the Netherlands the typical gable stones (gevelstenen) of 17th-century Amsterdam houses are well known.
Epigraphs and restoration
When a building is restored, the original epigraph is preserved. Weathering or vandalism can render the text illegible. Conservators:
- Clean carefully using gentle methods
- Fill cracks with appropriate mortar
- Recarve only when the original lettering is no longer legible
Related terms
- Building plaque
- Cartouche
- Inscription
- Tympanum
- Architrave
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