The Oblong, and its Subdivision.

The Subdivision of the Rhombus, &c. 21

Plate 14. The Obloxg.
1. Subdivision for Door panels, Sofits of arches, &c.
2.

tablets, &c.
3.

Borders for ceilings.
4 and 5. Modern Album-covers, (Gewerbehalle).
Plate 15. The Oblong.
1. Ceiling, Quedlinburg, German,
1560, (Gewerbehalle).
2. Ceiling, Massimi Palace, Rome, by Baldassare Peruzzi, (Leta-
rouilly).
3. Coffer ceiling, Farnese Palace, Rome, by Barozzi da Vignola,
(Letarouilly).
Plate 16. The Obloxg.
1. Ceiling, modern, (Gewerbehalle).
2. Vaulted ceiling, S. Peter's, Rome, beginning of the 17th
century, (Italienisches Skizzenbuch).
The Subdivision of the Rhombus, and the Trapezium.
(Plate
17.)
Rhombus or "Lozenge" is the name usually given to the equi-
lateral foursided figure with pairs of unequal angles. The principal
auxiliary lines of these figures are the diagonals. The subdivision
generally leaves an oblong or hexagonal panel in the centre.
The Trapezium is a four-sided figure with unequal sides. The
Parallel Trapezium has two parallel sides which are unequal and two
equal sides which are not parallel (PI. 17, figs. 5 to
8).
The Sym-
metrical Trapezium has two pairs of adjacent equal sides (PI.
17,
figs. 9 and 10). Any other irregular four-sided rectilinear figure is
a Trapezoid. Some suitable subdivisions are given on Plate 17.
Definite directions for the Trapezoid can scarcely be given; its sub-
division is seldom easy, and varies with each particular case. The
general principle is: Endeavour to cut-off projecting angles by means
of triangles in such a way as to leave a portion of the entire figure
regular or symmetrical. This is, however, a matter of ax'tistic taste;
and more easily learnt than taught.
Among other applications of the symmetrical or parallel Tni-
pezium is that to Cupolas of Domes: the lines are indeed curves
on a bent surface; but this causes very little alteration in the sub-
division.