Ogee

For the cartoon character named "Ogee", see Magilla Gorilla.
Not to be confused with Ogive.
Two ogee curve examples with their extended S-shape, concave over convex (cyma recta), and convex over concave (cyma reversa), representing the cross-sections of two types of decorative moldings used in building[1][2]

An ogee (/oʊˈdʒiː/ /ˈoʊdʒiː/) is an object, element, or curve—often seen in architecture and building trades—that has a serpentine- or extended S-shape (sigmoid).[1]: 218  Ogees consist of a "double curve", the combination of two semicircular curves or arcs that, as a result of a point of inflection from concave to convex or vice versa,[1]: 218  have ends of the overall curve that point in opposite directions (and have tangents that are approximately parallel).

An ogee arch, showing the pair of component blocks on each side that constitute the "double curve" of the ogee, joined at its peak by a capstone.[1]: 218  The midpoint of the two blocks on each side that compose the ogee, the point at which the overall curve changes direction, is the inflection point referred to in the lead.

First seen in textiles in the 12th century, the use of ogee elements—in particular, in the design of arches—has been said to characterise various Gothic and Gothic Revival architectural styles.[1]: 218  The shape has many such uses in architecture from those periods to the present day, including in the ogee arch in these architectural styles,[1]: 218  where two ogees oriented as mirror images compose the sides of the arch,[3] and in decorative molding designs, where single ogees are common profiles (see opening image).[1] The term is also used in marine construction.[citation needed] The word was sometimes abbreviated as o-g as early as the 18th century,[1]: 218  and in millwork trades associated with building construction, ogee is still sometimes written similarly (e.g., as O.G.).[citation needed]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h As described in Lewis, Philippa & Darley, Gillian (1986). Dictionary of Ornament. New York: Pantheon Books. pp. 218, 222, 73, 97, and 116. ISBN 0-394-50931-5. Retrieved January 9, 2020. ogee. Combination of a concave and convex line, two recurve shapes, producing a serpentine shape, either as a moulding (an S form in cross section) or as an elaborated pointed arch. It is particularly characteristic of the Venetian Gothic Revival, Gothick and Gothic Revival styles, although ogee forms appeared in textiles from the 12th century. In the 18th century the word was sometimes written as o-g. A nodding ogee is an arch in which the head projects. See also syma recta/reversa; keel moulding. [p. 218] / ovolo. Convex moulding (usually a quarter of a circle in section)... [p. 222] / cavetto moulding or hollow chamfering (Latin, cavare, to hollow). One of the principal forms of moulding, a concave version of the ovolo moulding, usually a quarter of a circle in section. [p. 73] / cyma recta (Latin, cyma, wave). Important compound moulding, combining the ovolo and cavetto with the convex moulding below. In section the moulding is a double curve, concave above, convex below. Also known as ogee moulding. cyma reversa... [presenting concave below, convex above, p. 97]{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ The ogees are the nonlinear parts of the profile, only; the shaded area represents the side of the molding facing the wall of the building's room that is being decorated.
  3. ^ Davies, Nikolas; Jokiniemi, Erkki (2011). Architect's Illustrated Pocket Dictionary. Oxford, England: Architectural Press. p. 318. ISBN 9780080965376.