Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/71

Rh Bk. IV. Ch. V. CHURCH AT GELNHAUSEN. 55 probably the earliest example in Germany, and which it copied rudely and imperfectly in its details. It possesses the polygonal plan, the graduated buttresses, the decorative shafts, and other peculiarities of the French style, and, if found in that country, would be classed as of about the same age as St. Denis. The upper part of the choir and the nave are of very much later date, and will be mentioned hereafter. A more interesting example of transition than this is the church at Gelnhausen, unfortunately not of well-known date, but apparently built in the middle of the 13th century, though the choir, it is said, was not finished until 1B70. Its interest lies in its originality, for, though the pointed arch is adopted, it is in a manner very different from that followed by the French, and fis if the architects Avere deter- mined to retain a style of their own. In general design its outline is very like that of the church at Sinzig (Woodcut No. 478). In it attempts are even made to copy its apsidal gal- leries, but their purpose is mis- understood, and pillars are placed in front of windows, — a blunder afterwards carried, at Strasburg and elsewhere, to a far more fatal extent. Taken altogether, the style here exhibited is light and graceful; but it neither has the stability of the old round- arched Gothic, nor the capa- bilities of the French pointed style. The church of Sta. Maria attached to the cathedral at Treves is another of the anom- alous churches of this age (1227 to 1-243) : its plan lias already been given (Woodcut No. 461), and was probably suggested by the form of the old circular building which is su]iplanted. Perhaps from its proximity to France it shows a more complete Gothic style than either of those already mentioned ; still the circular arch continually recurs in doorways and windows, and altogether the uses of the pointed forms and the general arrangement of parts and details cannot be said to be well understood. There is, however, a novelty, truly German, in its plan, and a simplicity about its arrangement, which make it the most pleasing si^ecimen of the age, and standing on the East End of Church -it (it'luhausen. No scale.