In architecture, a vertical structural element, usually of stone or brick, that is built up against a wall to stabilize the forces exerted outwards by vaults.
Tangent buttress, Abbey Church of Ste. Foy, Conques, France. Mid-11th-early 12th century.
A free resource for students and teachers, created by Dr. James Terry. Art History Glossary by James Terry is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 .
Tangent buttress, Abbey Church of Ste. Foy, Conques, France. Mid-11th-early 12th century.