In spandrels between two arches a slight deviation from symmetry may be allowed if the sides are well balanced, but it requires great skill to render the ornament satisfactory ([Fig. 131]). If the arch mouldings are properly emphasized, the spandrels may have a free and unsymmetrical treatment, for they do not appear so constructively important as the panels of pilasters, and so greater freedom is allowed to the artist. The Gothic spandrel ([Fig. 131]) from Stone Church, in Kent, is a good example of balance.
Fig. 132.—Spandrel by Stevens.
The sixth division.—Unsymmetrical spaces to be filled with ornament are rare, being mostly found in Saracen work and in arms and utensils, except in the case of angular spandrels composed of a vertical and horizontal line and a segment ([Fig. 132]); in all these cases, balance must be the principle employed. [Fig. 132] shows a well-balanced design for a right-angled spandrel between a round arch and a vertical line, the work of the late Alfred Stevens.
Fig. 133.—Panel with trophy of arms and armour.