In order to emphasise the structural character of the pilaster it was customary to introduce features in the form of mouldings, vases and labels.
The capitals and bases of pilasters should be in harmony with the other decorations used. The usual capital of the Italian Renaissance is a modified Corinthian type, and this is quite suitable when the pilaster has plain or decorated panels, but when flutes are employed on the pilaster a more ornate capital is desirable. In the latter case a composite form in which the Doric abacus and enriched ovolo figure together with a row of stiffly-arranged vertical leaves, could fitly be used. The Ionic type would also be suitable; when the base of the pilaster is decorated, the lowest detail of reeds of the principal torus may be bound with cross ribbons.
[Illustration: No. 208. Pilaster Treatment. French Renaissance.]
[Illustration: No. 209. Treatment of Pilaster Capital, with Vertical Emphasis.]
Panels and enclosed spaces have no structural significance, and therefore in the treatment of them attitude alone has to be considered--that is to say, the only question is, as to whether the surface to be decorated is in a vertical or a horizontal plane. In the decoration of a panel in a horizontal plane, since it is not desirable to mark any one direction, the detail may radiate diagonally or diametrically from a centre. If, however, in the case of a ceiling, details are employed in the angles formed by the walls, these should grow towards the centre of the ceiling.
[Illustration: No. 210. Ceiling Decoration. Growth from Angle.]
When panels or enclosed spaces are used on walls or on furniture of any height the vertical direction should be emphasised as a general rule; but if the height is less than the width, the decoration, though it should remain vertical in tendency, should also spread so as to conform to the width.
The design of a panel or enclosed space, whatever the shape or attitude, should be complete in itself, having its proper start and appropriate terminals. If the enclosing border were removed the detail should, by its general disposition maintain the shape, even though the whole surface may not be occupied.
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.