A column, pier, or post found at the center of a large portal or doorway, supporting the lintel, is called what?

A column, pier, or post found at the center of a large portal or doorway, supporting the lintel, is called what?

• A. Pediment
• B. Jamb
• C. Architrave
• D. Trumeau

Answer: (D)

Trumeau refers to the vertical element placed at the center of a large doorway that bears the lintel, separating two doors. It’s the central post that supports the horizontal beam above and often carries decorative sculpture. In contrast, a jamb is the side post of the doorway, an architrave is the horizontal beam forming part of the entablature, and a pediment is the triangular decorative crown above the doorway. So the central supporting pillar in a large portal is the trumeau.

Trumeau refers to the vertical element placed at the center of a large doorway that bears the lintel, separating two doors. It’s the central post that supports the horizontal beam above and often carries decorative sculpture. In contrast, a jamb is the side post of the doorway, an architrave is the horizontal beam forming part of the entablature, and a pediment is the triangular decorative crown above the doorway. So the central supporting pillar in a large portal is the trumeau.