Frontispiece is an illustration or decorative element that appears on the page facing the title page of a book, usually on the left-hand side. It serves as an introduction to the book's content, setting the tone and providing a visual representation of the book's theme or subject matter. The frontispiece can take various forms, such as an engraving, woodcut, photograph, or drawing, and is often accompanied by a caption or brief explanatory text. Historically, frontispieces were more common in older books, particularly those from the 16th to the 19th centuries, and were often used to showcase the skill of the artist or engraver. In some cases, the frontispiece may depict the author, a scene from the book, or an allegorical representation of the book's themes. The term frontispiece is derived from the French word frontispice, which combines the Latin words frons (front) and specere (to look at), emphasizing its role as a visual introduction to the book. While the use of frontispieces has declined in modern publishing, they remain an important element in the history of book design and can provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural context of a particular work
illustration, engraving, woodcut, photograph, drawing, book design, visual introduction
A frontispiece is a decorative element found at the entrance of a building or the beginning of a book. In architecture, it is typically a grand, ornate feature that serves to enhance the external appearance of the building and provide a sense of grandeur or majesty. It can be composed of highly decorative elements, such as columns, statues, and sculptures, and often contains a figure, a coat of arms, or a scene from a myth. In literature, a frontispiece is an illustration or decorative design found on the title page or at the beginning of a book. It is often used to set the tone for the book or to provide a visual representation of its content. The use of frontispieces has a long history, dating back to ancient times. In ancient Greece, frontispieces were used in temples and public buildings to honor the gods and important figures. In medieval Europe, frontispieces were used in churches and cathedrals to depict scenes from the Bible and other religious texts. During the Renaissance, frontispieces became more elaborate and were used in palaces and other grand buildings to showcase the wealth and power of their owners. Today, frontispieces continue to be used in both architecture and literature. In architecture, they can be found on government buildings, museums, and other important structures. In literature, frontispieces are often used in special editions of books or to commemorate important events.
architecture, decoration, entrance, illustration, literature
The frontispiece is an architectural concept that refers to the main entrance or principal façade of a building. It is the most conspicuous part of a structure, often containing a prominent doorway or portico, and is typically the most ornately decorated and architecturally impressive part of a building. The frontispiece serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, as it conveys the character and importance of a building to its viewers, while also providing an entrance for its occupants. It is often the focal point of a building, and is often used to convey a message about the building's purpose, design, and importance.
Entrance, Façade, Portico, Ornament, Visible.
The term frontispiece is a specific architectural feature, often found on the external facade of a building. It typically consists of a central, projecting, decorative element, such as a column, pediment, or pilaster, surrounded by other architectural elements or decorations, such as carvings, reliefs, or plaques. In some cases, the frontispiece may also be accompanied by a set of columns, arches, or other structural elements. Frontispieces may also contain a doorway, window, or other opening, depending on the design of the building. The purpose of the frontispiece is to provide visual interest and to serve as a focal point, either for the building itself or for the surrounding landscape.
Architecture, Facade, Decoration, Structure, Opening
The term “Frontispiece” has been used to describe a section of a book or publication, as well as a portrait of a prominent person often associated with the publication. It is also known as a “Front piece,” “Half Title page”, or “Title page”. In other languages, the term can be translated to “Titelblatt” in German, “Titelpagina” in Dutch, “Friso” in Spanish, “Folio” in Latin, “Voorplat” in Afrikaans, “Duimstuk” in Dutch, “Voorblad” in Dutch, “Frontispiece” in French, “Prospectus” in French, “Pancarte” in French, “Fasciculus” in Latin, “Frontispicio” in Spanish, “Fascículo” in Spanish, “Vorwort” in German, “Leitseite” in German, “Vordruck” in German, “Voorplaat” in Dutch, “Prespício” in Spanish, “Anteportas” in Latin, “Libelli” in Latin, and “Fronte” in Italian.
Translation of Frontispiece, Titelblatt, Titelpagina, Friso, Folio, Voorplat, Duimstuk, Voorblad, Frontispiece, Prospectus, Pancarte, Fasciculus, Frontispicio, Fascículo, Vorwort, Leitseite, Vordruck, Voorplaat, Prespício, Anteportas, Libelli, Fronte.
CITATION : "Harris Awan. 'Frontispiece.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=226924 (Accessed on June 30, 2025)"
Frontispiece is a noun which refers to an ornamental illustration on the title page of a book. Synonyms for frontispiece include illustration, sketch, engraving, art, watercolor, portrait, depiction, etching, and decoration. Antonyms for frontispiece are unrelated images or those which are not ornamental. Cognates for the word frontispiece would include the French version of the word, fronstpiecce, as well as the Spanish, portada. Variations of the word are frontpiece and fropsiece.
Terminology, lexicology, lexicography, linguistics, semiotics, epigraphy, lexeme, lexicon
The term “frontispiece” is derived from Old French “frontispice”, from Latin “frontispicium”, which is a noun compounded from two separate words: “frontis” meaning “forehead” and “spici-” referring to a “look” or “appearance”. It has been used since the late 16th century in both Europe and the United States. In its earliest uses, “frontispiece” referred to a section at the beginning of a book or manuscript, usually containing an illustration or decorative design. It is also used as a metaphor to refer to the front of a building, especially the part that is focused on the main entrance. From an etymological perspective, the term “frontispiece” is composed of two distinct morphological elements: “frontis-”, referring to the front of something, and “spici-”, referring to its appearance or look. From a pragmatic point of view, “frontispiece” is a term used to refer to a decorative visual element at the beginning of a book or a building.
Etymology, Morphology, Pragmatics, Word Formation, Semantics
A frontispiece is an architectural term referring to a decorative façade, usually located at the entrance of a building. It is often the first thing noticed when entering a structure and can vary greatly in design, ranging from a simple stone arch to a detailed piece of sculpture. It is often seen as a symbol of the building’s importance and often contains a figure, a coat of arms or a scene from a myth. Famous examples of frontispieces in architecture include the Great East Window at York Minster, the Porta San Giorgio in Bologna, the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi in Florence and the Porta Maggiore in Rome.
Architecture, façade, entrance, decoration, sculpture.
A frontispiece is typically an ornamental feature located at the entrance of a building or other type of structure. It is often used to draw attention to the building and to set it apart from the surrounding environment. In architecture, the frontispiece is typically composed of highly ornate and decorative elements, such as columns, statues, and sculptures. These elements serve to enhance the external appearance of the building and to provide a sense of grandeur or majesty. The use of the frontispiece in architecture can be seen in many famous buildings and monuments around the world, such as the Parthenon in Athens, the Taj Mahal in India, and the White House in the United States. By creating a visually striking element at the entrance of a building, the frontispiece is able to create an immediate impact on the viewer.
Entrance, facade, ornamentation, columns, statues, sculptures, grandeur, majesty, impact.
A frontispiece is an architectural feature commonly used in many buildings. It is typically located at the entrance of the building, often between two columns, and is used to enhance the visual appeal of the building. It is typically ornamental and can be comprised of different materials, such as stone, brick, wood, and metal. Frontispieces can also be designed with intricate details, such as carvings, bas-reliefs, and etchings. It often serves to frame the entrance to the building and can be an effective way to communicate the purpose of the building.
Architecture, Design, Entrance, Ornamentation.
We have 216.545 Topics and 472.615 Entries and Frontispiece has 10 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Frontispiece today.