Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/501

 RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE IN EUROPE. 443 RENAISSANCE. Gable ends of churches and build- ings generally were formed as pediments, with a low pitch (Nos. 193 and 211 k) or of semi- circular form (No. 211 a). Simplicity of treatment and breadth of mass are prominent charac- teristics (Nos. 193, 197 and 200) of the style. GOTHIC. Gable ends are steep, occupied by windows, and crowned either with sloping parapet or orna- mented timber barge boards (Nos. 125, 132 J, 138 and 150). Boldness and richness of sky-line and intricacy of mass are pro- minent characteristics (Nos. 121, 125, 161, 162, 164 and 173). c. Openings — Door and win- dow openings are semicircular (Nos. 206 D and 214c), or square- headed (Nos. 194 E and 206 a). The influence of climate on these was important. In Italy, with a bright atmosphere, the windows are small. In northern Europe, with a dull climate, windows of the earlier period are large, and often have stone mullions or solid uprights dividing the window space vertically (No. 246). Openings generally come over one another, and are sym- metrically disposed with refer- ence to facade. The Classic system of moulded architrave (No. 94 k) projecting from the wall face was revived. Doorways and other openings are surrounded by such archi- traves, often richly carved. c. Openings. — Doorandwindow openings usually pointed (Nos. 142, 143, 156 and 161), and of considerable size, are divided by mullions, though not neces- sarily so. This treatment was for the introduction of painted glass, the use or non-use of which means of decoration influenced the size and number of the openings. Often little attention was paid to the centre lines, i.e., the placing of openings over one another. Windows and doors were placed where wanted, with- out much regard to symmetry of composition. Openings formed in receding planes (Nos. 94 f j and 143), with mouldings of great rich- ness, were often provided with small circular shafts and carved capitals. n. Roofs. — Vaults are of simple Roman form without ribs. Domes have usually an internal plaster soffit or ceiling, and are painted in colored fresco, upon which they depend for their beauty. The dome over a large space was generally constructed with an inner and outer covering, as S. Paul, London (No. 253). Open-timbered roofs occur, as in the Jacobean halls, but the tendency was gradually to plaster them up (Nos. 242 and 243). All roofs other than domes were hidden in Italy, but were made piuchof in France and Ggrmanj'. D. Roofs. — Vaulting was develop- ed by means of the pointed arch, and depends for effect on the richness of the carved bosses, on the setting out of the ribs on which the severy of the vaulting rests, and on the grace and beauty of these curves (Nos. log and 112). Open-timbered roofs are a beautiful feature of the style, the most perfect specimen in England being Westminster Hall (No. 113 h). Externally roofing is an important element in the design, and in conjunction with chimneys, must be reckoned as a means of effect.