Decoration of Mouldings
Mouldings may be plain or decorated, usually by carving, the details probably being derived from the painted decoration of an early period.
When thus enriched the moulding is formed as to its profile, and the details carved back from the face, leaving the highest parts in the original surface. The carving being deeper and more sharply defined in the case of mouldings that are in shadow. Such, for example, as the Ovolo, and in lighter relief on those more exposed to direct light.
The decoration of mouldings ordinarily consists of the repetition of a unit, composed on a central axis, in which curves are contrasted with vertical features.
No. 135.
The principle involved is to base the detail on the sectional curvature or profile line.