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Identifying feature

Keystone

The central wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch, which locks the other stones (voussoirs) in place. It is often enlarged or carved over windows on Georgian and Federal buildings.

a sign of these styles

Brooklyn Heights Historic District, New York City, New York: an example of Brownstone Brownstone c. 1840–1900 Row houses with brown sandstone fronts, a high stoop to the main floor over a raised basement, and a cornice. Palazzo del Te, Mantua, Italy: an example of Mannerism Mannerism c. 1520–1600 Classical rules bent on purpose: oversized keystones, broken pediments, and columns sunk into walls. Portland Building, Portland, Oregon: an example of Postmodernism Postmodernism c. 1975–1995 Classical bits quoted at the wrong scale in bold colors: columns, pediments, and keystones with a wink.

also seen on

Ancient RomanBeaux-ArtsCast IronCommercial VernacularItalianateNeo-EclecticRomanesqueSecond Empire

often seen with

Round arch An arch shaped as a half circle, often built from wedge-shaped blocks called voussoirs. Classical column A column based on Greek and Roman designs, with a base, shaft, and decorative capital. Balustrade A railing made of a row of short, shaped posts called balusters, topped by a rail. Cornice A deep, overhanging ledge that caps the top of a facade. Bracketed eaves Brackets, projecting supports often set in pairs, placed at regular intervals under a wide roof overhang. Carved stone relief Figures or patterns carved into stone so they project from a flat background, called low relief when shallow… Pediment A low triangle over columns, a door or a window, framed by a projecting ledge called a cornice. Pilaster A flat column projecting slightly from a wall, with the same base, shaft and capital (decorated top) as a…