What is the term for the Greek band of small, square, tooth-like blocks forming part of columns?

What is the term for the Greek band of small, square, tooth-like blocks forming part of columns?

• A. Rinceau
• B. Guilloche
• C. Rosette
• D. Dentil

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is a decorative molding in classical architecture that looks like a row of tiny teeth. These are small, square blocks projecting from a frieze or cornice, giving a tooth-like appearance. That pattern is called dentil. It’s a hallmark of dentil molding often seen in Greek and later classical designs, used to create a rhythmic, horizontal band under the cornice. Rinceau refers to scrolling floral motifs, guilloche is an interlaced or rope-like pattern, and a rosette is a single floral motif. None of those match the tooth-like, rectangular blocks described, so dentil is the correct term.

The main idea here is a decorative molding in classical architecture that looks like a row of tiny teeth. These are small, square blocks projecting from a frieze or cornice, giving a tooth-like appearance. That pattern is called dentil. It’s a hallmark of dentil molding often seen in Greek and later classical designs, used to create a rhythmic, horizontal band under the cornice.

Rinceau refers to scrolling floral motifs, guilloche is an interlaced or rope-like pattern, and a rosette is a single floral motif. None of those match the tooth-like, rectangular blocks described, so dentil is the correct term.