The lambs tongue is the perfect example of how all classical ornaments find their roots in nature. Whether flora or fauna in antiquity, the terminology of the ornamentations were determined by their physical appearance and copied. This example appears as it sounds in the shape of a lambs tongue.
Lambs tongue in an architectural profile
It is not a stand-alone ornamentation but is used to accompany a more detailed ornament. It is typically used as borders, or often the lower part of a complex molding or crown. The direction is always pointing down or towards the inside of a panel.
Again in an architectural profile
Egg and dart paired with it.
I use lambs tongue because it is fairly easy to paint and has a low profile yet, still looks decorative. It makes for a great filler to accompany more complex ornamentations, and is also great for frames.
Lambs tongue pounce that I made for a trompe l’oeil ceiling mural
Painted detail
Lambs tongue section/border used in trompe l’oeil ceiling mural
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