Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/397

Rh jBk. VIII. Ch. VI. OTRANTO. 381 from them, but these arches neither support the roof nor aid the con- struction in any otlier way. They do add to the perspective effect of the interior, but it is only by a theatrical contrivance very rare in the Middle Ages, and by no means to be admired when found. Most of these Apulian churches possess crypts almost as important as that of San Miniato, some more so ; and the numerous pillars in some of these give rise to effects of perspective only to be found else- where in such buildings as the Mosque at Cor- dova, or the cisterns at Constantinople. As in the annexed example, from the cathedral at Otranto, it is Avonderful what space and what variety may be attained with small dimensions by the employment of numerous points of sup- port. This was the secret of most of the best effects produced by the Northern architects ; but the Italians never understood it, or practised it except in crypts. Perhaps it may have been that they thought it necessary to sacrifice architectural effect to the exigencies of public 810. Plan of Crypt at Otranto. Scale 100 ft. to 1 in. 811. View in Crypt at Otranto. (From Schultz.) worship. Whether this were the cause or not, the result, as already pointed out, was fatal to the architectural effect of many of their designs, especially in the Northern province. In Southern Italy this is seldom the case, but the difference arose from the fact that the naves of the churches had never vaulted roofs, and were consequently separated from the aisles by single pillars instead of composite piers. This took away all temptation to display mechanical dexterity, and left the architect free to produce the best artistic effect he was able to design with the materials at his command.