Final answer:
The question refers to panels used in ceiling installations, glued or stapled to the ceiling, often seen in architectural designs with historical significance. Such panels can include ornate designs and paintings, such as those in the Cefalù Cathedral, and are related to the broader art form of panel painting, a technique used in ancient times on wooden panels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question refers to a type of ceiling installation often seen in architectural designs. These installations consist of panels that are either glued directly onto the ceiling surface or stapled to wood furring strips which are then nailed to the ceiling joists. In historical contexts, such as the Islamic-style painted wooden trusses and star-shaped panels in the nave of the Cefalù Cathedral, these panels can be highly decorative and serve as important cultural artifacts. These ceiling panels often include intricate paintings and can be seen in historical sites, reflecting the art and craftsmanship of their time.
For example, in the Cefalù Cathedral between 1131-1240, wooden ceiling panels were decorated with themes from courtly life drawn from an Islamic repertoire. This style of decoration was prevalent in various cultures and periods, and the techniques for creating these ceiling panels have evolved over time.
In a broader context, panel painting is a method where artwork is directly applied on flat panels of wood, and such art forms were common in public buildings in ancient times, like in the Propylaea of the Athenian Acropolis. Over the centuries, due to the organic nature of the wood, many panel paintings have deteriorated or disappeared.