Rich ornamentation is thoroughly in keeping with the nature of the panel—certainly more interest should be centred on panel decoration than on adornment in more subordinate positions.
The decoration may either completely fill the space or only partially do so. In the latter case, the shapes of the unoccupied parts must be carefully considered.
No. 211. Semi-Lunette Panel. Central Feature based on Circle.
Whether the design is a unit repeated on a central axis or is a balanced one, is largely a matter to be settled by individual taste and the position of the panel. Both treatments are admissible in a range of panels; greater variety can be obtained by symmetrically disposed designs being flanked on either side by balanced designs.
Juxtaposition
When panels occur together, either side by side or ranged one above the other, they may exert influence on one another. For example, vertical features close to the framing stiles should be repeated in the adjacent panel even though the width of each panel may differ. When the panels are one above the other, central features should be avoided and the interest should be kept close to the opposing margins; otherwise the effect will be spotty and lacking in repose.
