Part 9 (2/2)

181. _Tangent._--A line, A, running out from the curve at right angles from a radial line.

182. _Tetrahedron._--A solid figure enclosed or bounded by four triangles, like A or B. A plain pyramid is bounded by five triangles.

183. _Vertex._--The meeting point, A, of two or more lines.

184. _Volute._--A spiral scroll, used largely in architecture, which forms one of the chief features of the Ionic capital.

CHAPTER IX

MOLDINGS, WITH PRACTICAL ILl.u.s.tRATIONS IN EMBELLIs.h.i.+NG WORK

MOLDINGS.--The use of moldings was early resorted to by the nations of antiquity, and we marvel to-day at many of the beautiful designs which the Ph[oe]necians, the Greeks and the Romans produced. If you a.n.a.lyze the lines used you will be surprised to learn how few are the designs which go to make up the wonderful columns, spires, minarets and domes which are represented in the various types of architecture.

THE BASIS OF MOLDINGS.--Suppose we take the base type of moldings, and see how simple they are and then, by using these forms, try to build up or ornament some article of furniture, as an example of their utility.

THE SIMPLEST MOLDING.--In Fig. 185 we show a molding of the most elementary character known, being simply in the form of a band (A) placed below the cap. Such a molding gives to the article on which it is placed three distinct lines, C, D and E. If you stop to consider you will note that the molding, while it may add to the strength of the article, is primarily of service because the lines and surfaces produce shadows, and therefore become valuable in an artistic sense.

THE ASTRAGAL.--Fig. 186 shows the ankle-bone molding, technically called the _Astragal_. This form is round, and properly placed produces a good effect, as it throws the darkest shadow of any form of molding.

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 185. Band._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 186. Astragal or Ankle Bone._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 187. Cavetto. Concave._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 188. Ovolo. Quarter round._]

THE CAVETTO.--Fig. 187 is the cavetto, or round type. Its proper use gives a delicate outline, but it is princ.i.p.ally applied with some other form of molding.

THE OVOLO.--Fig. 188, called the ovolo, is a quarter round molding with the lobe (A) projecting downwardly. It is distinguished from the astragal because it casts less of a shadow above and below.

THE TORUS.--Fig. 189, known as the torus, is a modified form of the ovolo, but the lobe (A) projects out horizontally instead of downwardly.

THE APOPHYGES (p.r.o.nounced apof-i-ges).--Fig. 190 is also called the _scape_, and is a concaved type of molding, being a hollowed curvature used on columns where its form causes a merging of the shaft with the fillet.

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 189. Torus._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 190. Apophyge._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 191. Cymatium._]

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Fig. 192. Ogee-Recta._]

THE CYMATIUM.--Fig. 191 is the cymatium (derived from the word cyme), meaning wave-like. This form must be in two curves, one inwardly and one outwardly.

THE OGEE.--Fig. 192, called the ogee, is the most useful of all moldings, for two reasons: First, it may have the concaved surface uppermost, in which form it is called ogee recta--that is, right side up; or it may be inverted, as in Fig. 193, with the concaved surface below, and is then called ogee reversa. Contrast these two views and you will note what a difference the mere inversion of the strip makes in the appearance. Second, because the ogee has in it, in a combined form, the outlines of nearly all the other types. The only advantage there is in using the other types is because you may thereby build up and s.p.a.ce your work better than by using only one simple form.

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