In architecture, an accolade is an embellished arch found most typically in late Gothic architecture. The term comes from French (l'accolade), referencing a "braced" arch.^[1] It is also known as an ogee arch (English), un arco conopial (Spanish), resaunt (Middle English), arco carenato or inflesso (Italian), and kielbogen (German).^[1][2]

An accolade is a pointed arch composed of two ogee curves, also known as sigmoid lines, which mirror one another.^[3][1] It can be formed by a pair of reverse ogee curves over a three-centred arch ending in a vertical finial.^[4][5] The form can also be described as the combination of a convex arch and a concave arch.^[6]

An accolade is usually a decorative molding placed over an opening.^[7] The structures are unable to support significant loads, so they are primarily decorative.^[6] It has been primarily used over small openings like niches, tombs, windows, and screens as it is difficult to construct.^[3][7][5]

The accolade was introduced and was most commonly used during the Decorated period of Gothic architecture.^[3] It was an element of Church architecture in England from the eleventh to sixteenth century.^[8] The peak of the accolade's popularity was during the thirteenth century.^[9] During the fourteenth century, there was an evolution in its appearance.^[2]

The first accolades in English Gothic architecture appear on the crosses constructed by Edward I in memory of Eleanor of Castile.^[10] They are also used in Gothic goldsmithing as in the shrine of St. Gertrude of Nivelles, which was originally built in the 13th century.^[1] The entrance to Saint-Seine-l'Abbaye is an accolade.^[11] The St. John's Church, and one of its major influences, Strawberry Hill House, incorporates accolades into its design.^[12]

Accolades appear as stylistic framing elements in artwork as early as the fifteenth century.^[13] It also appears in Dutch art, like the woodcut illustration in The Book of the Golden Throne.^[13]

The form was likely imported to England during the Crusades.^[10] There exist accolades in the Byzantine style of architecture, as at the Monastery of St. Constantine on Lake Apolyon.^[14] Demus argues that the accolades, or ogee arches, at the Porta dei Fiori and the Tesoro entrance, have Islamic influences.^[15] Additionally, Venetian ogee arches resemble an Iranian mihrab niche that was brought to Paris.^[15] However, there is no consensus regarding how the accolade became an element of Gothic architecture.^[1]

• Ogee arch
• Gavaksha
• Mihrab
• Line of beauty