Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/347

Rh Bk. VIII. Ch. III. CATHEDRAL AT FLORENCE. 331 Italian Gothic buildings generally, it dejjended on painting, sculpture, and carv'ng for its effect far more than on architectural design, properly io called. Among the greatest and most complete examples of Italian Gothic is the church of Sta. Maria dei Fiori, the cathedral of Florence, one of the largest and finest churches produced in the Middle Ages — as far as mere grandeur of conception goes, perhaps the very best, though con- siderably marred in execution from defects of style, which are too apparent in every part. "03. Section of Dome and part of Nave of the Cathedral at Florence. Scale 100 ft. to 1 in. The building of the church, was commenced m the year 1294 or 1298 (it is not quite clear which), from the designs and under the superintendence of Arnolfo di Lapo, for unfortunately in this style we know the names of all the architects, and all the churches show traces of the caprice and of the misdirected efforts of individuals, instead of the combined national movement which produced such splendid results in France and England. It is not known how far Arnolfo had carried the building when he died, in 1310, but ]irobably up to the springing of the vaults. After this the works proceeded