serliana

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serliana. Tripartite window, door, or blind architectural feature consisting of a central opening with a semicircular arch over it springing from two entablatures each supported by two columns or pilasters flanking narrower flat-topped openings on either side. Called a Palladian or Venetian window, it was a common motif in the works of Palladio and was a feature much used in Palladianism in C17 and C18 British architecture. It got its name as it was published in Serlio's L'Architettura (1537–75), but probably originated with Bramante.