Overdoor or Sopraporta
Overdoor or Sopraporta
An "overdoor" (or "supraporte" as in German, or "sopraporta" as in Italian) is a bas-relief or decorative panel, generally in a horizontal format, that is set, typically within ornamental mouldings, over a door, or was originally intended for this purpose.
The overdoor is usually architectural in form, but may take the form of a cartouche in Rococo settings, or it may be little more than a moulded shelf for the placement of curiosities.
An overmantel serves a similar function above a fireplace mantel.
