Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/249

 EARLY CHRISTIAN ARCHITECTURE. IQI in the churches of Rome have been taken from ancient Roman buildings, except those in S. Paolo fuori le mura. F. Mouldings. — These are coarse variations of Roman types, and the carving is of the rudest kind, though rich in general effect. The technique of the craftsman gradually declined, and was at a low ebb during this period. Enrichments incised upon mouldings were in low relief, and the acanthus ornamentation, although still copied from the anti(iue, became more conventional in form. G. Ornament. — The introduction of much color is a feature of the period, giving much richness to the interiors. The domed apse (No. 72), as has been mentioned, was lined with mosaic, the subject generally being Christ surrounded by angels and saints. The arch of triumph, separating the nave from the bema, was ornamented with appropriate subjects ; long friezes of figures line the wall above the nave arcades (Nos. 72, 74 and 76), and the wall spaces between the clerestory windows often had mosaics representing subjects taken from Christian history or doctrine. The figures are treated in strong colours on a gold back- ground. The design is bold and simple, both in form and draperies, and an earnest and solemn expression, fitting well the position they occupy, characterizes the groups. The method of execution is coarse and large, and no attempt was made at neat- ness of joint or regularity of bedding. The interiors are, by the aid of these mosaics, rendered exceedingly impressive. In addition to the richness of the wall surfaces formed of colored mosaics the pavements of colored marbles in geometric patterns added much to the rich effect of the interiors. These pavements were formed largely of slices from the old Roman porphyry columns, which were worked into designs by connecting bands of geometrical inlay on a field of white marble (Nos. 72, 78). The glass mosaic used to decorate the ambones, screens, and episcopal chairs, as in the fittings of the church of S. Clemente at Rome (No. 78), was of a finer and more delicate description. 5. REFERENCE BOOKS. Brown (Prof. Baldwin). — "From Schola to Cathedral." 8vo. 1S86. Bunsen (C. C. J.). — " Die Basiliken des Christlichen Roms." Folio. Munich, 1843. Butler (A. J.). — " The Ancient Coptic Churches of Egypt." 8vo. 1884. Butler (H. C.) — American Archaeological Expedition to Syria, 1899 — 1900. Folio. New York, 1904. Hubsch (H.). — "Monuments de I'Architecture Chretienne depuis Constantin jusqu'a Charlemagne." Folio. Paris, 1866. Vogue (Marquis de). — " Les Eglises de la Terre-Sainte." Paris, i860. Vogue. — " Syrie Centrale." 2 vols. Paris, 1865-67. Kingsley (Charles).— "Hypatia." ) Historical Novels Perry(W. C.)--" SanctaPaula." j historical Novels.