In mouldings of the Curvilinear period ([Plate VII.], Fig. 8) the ogee superseded the round, and the hollows were shallower. Towards the end of the period the square orders ceased, and the planes of the orders were at about 45° with the vertical ([Plate VII.], Fig. 9; compare with [Plate VIII.], Fig. 12).
The wave-moulding ([Plate VII.], Fig. 9) and the scroll-moulding ([Plate VII.], Figs. 9, 12, and 13), supposed to resemble a parchment scroll, are conspicuous in the Curvilinear. The general character of the ornament is indicated on [Plate VII.], in most of which the ogee line is apparent.
The ball-flower ([Plate VI.], Fig. 3) is a distinctive feature of the Decorated period superseding the tooth ornament of the Lancet ([Plate V.], Fig. 12). It was applied to hollow mouldings of arches and tracery of windows, vaulting, and spires.
Capitals were moulded as in the section ([Plate VII.], Fig. 13), or carved, as [Plate VI.], Fig. 4, generally in imitation of natural foliage, varying from a bold conventionalism ([Plate VI.], Fig. 5) to a close imitation of nature, as [Plate VI.], Fig. 1 (a.a.). Animal forms and small human figures were occasionally introduced. Figure sculpture reached its highest degree of excellence in this period.
Construction was further advanced, but in design the climax had been attained in the Geometrical period, and a very gradual decline set in, as shown in excessive ornamentation and literal imitation of natural forms in stonework, which is unsuitable for such delicate treatment on account of its fragility.
The increasing wealth of the nation during this period is indicated by the grandeur of the buildings and the redundancy of ornament.
PLATE VIII
PERPENDICULAR, 1377-1547
RECTILINEAR, 1360-1550