Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/585

 BELGIAN AND DUTCH RENAISSANCE. (See page 385 for Belgian and Dutch Gothic.) " Many scarlet bricks there were In its walls, and old grey stone On the bricks the green moss grew, Yellow lichen on the stone. Deep green water filled the moat, Each side had a red brick lip Green and mossy with the drip of dew and lain."' — Morris. I. INFLUENCES (see page 437). i. Geographical. — Refer to page 385. ii. Geological. — Refer to page 385. Brick is the characteristic material of this phase of the Renaissance. iii. Climate. — Refer to page 385. iv. Religion. — The persecutions begun under Charles V., and continued under the Duke of Alva, viceroy of Philip II. of Spain, led to a revolt in 1568 which lasted till i6og. The Belgians, being mainly Catholics, rallied to Spain, under the able rule of the Duke of Parma, but the Dutch, strongly Protestant, constituted the United Provinces, and finally under a republic became a great power. Their architectural expression was limited, the barn-like churches developing no features of great interest. The prominence given to preaching, and the demand for greater comfort regulated planning, but, whether for lack of interest or funds, nothing on a large scale was attempted. V. Social and Political. — In Holland the character of the Dutch is shown in their buildings, which are in general honest, matter-of-fact, and unimaginative. The increase of riches through trade in consequence of the discovery of the New World by Columbus, was not, however, mirrored by the erection of monumental structures. Their daring and activity in trade made them one of the chief powers of Europe during the