The Venetian window consists of an arched central light, symmetrically flanked by two shorter
sidelights. Each sidelight is flanked by two columns or
pilasters and topped by a small
entablature. The entablatures serve as
imposts supporting the semicircular arch that tops the central light. In the library at Venice,
Sansovino varied the design by substituting columns for the two inner pilasters. To describe its origin as being either Palladian or Venetian is not accurate; the motif was first used by
Donato Bramante and later mentioned by Serlio in his seven-volume architectural book ''
Tutte l'opere d'architettura et prospetiva'' expounding the ideals of Vitruvius and Roman architecture, this arched window is flanked by two lower rectangular openings, a motif that first appeared in the
triumphal arches of ancient Rome. ,
Westminster, the earliest appearance of the element in Britain (d.1648)
circa 1647, south front of
Wilton House, Wiltshire, England Palladio used the motif extensively, most notably in the arcades of the
Basilica Palladiana in
Vicenza. It is also a feature of his entrance to
Villa Forni Cerato. It is perhaps this extensive use of the motif in the
Veneto that has given the window its alternative name of the Venetian window; it is also known as a Serlian window. Whatever the name or the origin, this form of window has probably become one of the most enduring features of Palladio's work seen in the later architectural styles evolved from Palladianism. According to
James Lees-Milne, its first appearance in Britain was in the remodeled wings of
Burlington House, London, where the immediate source was actually in
Inigo Jones's designs for
Whitehall Palace rather than drawn from Palladio himself. ==Palladian window==