Which term is used for the decorative motif of the early Renaissance England crests featuring interlaced bands?

Which term is used for the decorative motif of the early Renaissance England crests featuring interlaced bands?

• A. Strapwork
• B. Scroll
• C. Mullion
• D. Intercolumnation

Answer: (A)

Strapwork is the decorative technique that uses flat, ribbon-like bands that weave over and under each other to form interlaced, geometric patterns. In early Renaissance England, this style appears on crests, cartouches, and plaster or stone panels, where the bands resemble leather straps and create crisp, angular interlacing. This distinguishes it from scrollwork, which is composed of curved, spiraling forms; mullions, which are vertical window dividers; and intercolumnation, which concerns the spacing between columns. The interlaced bands in these English crests are a hallmark of strapwork.

Strapwork is the decorative technique that uses flat, ribbon-like bands that weave over and under each other to form interlaced, geometric patterns. In early Renaissance England, this style appears on crests, cartouches, and plaster or stone panels, where the bands resemble leather straps and create crisp, angular interlacing. This distinguishes it from scrollwork, which is composed of curved, spiraling forms; mullions, which are vertical window dividers; and intercolumnation, which concerns the spacing between columns. The interlaced bands in these English crests are a hallmark of strapwork.