Vertical Panels
The point of concentration in vertical panels should be in the upper portion, and all parts of the design, both leading lines and clothing, should have a strong upward tendency. [Figure 236] is a vertical panel from historic ornament. The heavier parts have been designed at the bottom for stability and the lighter and more intricate members have been placed at the top.
Rule 7g. The fully enriched panel and its contents should be designed in unified relation to the structural outlines, with the center line of the panel coinciding with the inceptive axis of the structure.
To see how to apply rectangular panels to wood surfaces, let us look at [Figure 240]. This is a simple design with an incised background and might be used for enriching a narrow paneled door, newel post, or frame. The large areas are at the bottom; the point of concentration is at the top, and the entire design balances over the inceptive axis. The point of concentration consists of the geometrically treated small flower form, with its original lines modified to simplify the carving processes. The stem coincides with the inceptive axis, while narrow and sympathetically related minor panels fill in the background and keep the design from appearing weak and thin.
Adapting Data to Material
[Figure 237] is an accurate rendering of the flower form and is the data or record of facts for [Figure 240]. [Figure 238] introduces the method of plotting the areas from these facts. Variety of form and area is, at this stage, desirable. [Figure 239] has assembled these areas into orderly balance over the axis of symmetry. [Figure 240] has again slightly modified them to apply to the vertical panel in wood.
Courtesy of Berkey and Gay
Figure 246.—Example of Free and Marginal Enrichment