The Frieze
No. 198. Festoon Frieze. Continuous treatment with vertical contrast. Temple of Vesta, Tivoli
In considering the decoration of the various parts, the two principal questions to be asked are—what is the purpose? and, what is the attitude? The purpose of the Frieze may be said to be to bind, and the attitude of the Frieze is certainly a horizontal one—therefore the usual continuous treatment is justified. This is not the only way in which the Frieze can be treated, however, for the continuous horizontal treatment may be varied by vertical effects such as occur in the Doric order. The employment of Festoons with intermediate
No. 195. Vault Treatment. Ducal Palace, Venice, Sansovino.
No. 196. Dome Treatment. Vertical and horizontal division, resulting in panels. Villa Madama, Rome.
No. 197. Dome, St. Peter’s, Rome. Example of radial division.
pendants is really a continuous horizontal treatment in which the vertical direction is emphasised by way of contrast. The same principle is involved in the decoration of mouldings. Vertical features should be in alignment with adjacent and dominant details.
No. 199. Frieze. Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Rome. Horizontal direction suggested by Gryffons, with vertical contrast by Candelabra.
All kinds of elements can be employed in Frieze decoration, and as much interest and liveliness imparted as is compatible with the necessary repetition.