Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/73

 EGYPTIAN ARCHITECTURE. 15 Egyptian system of decoration consisted in not contravening the form adopted, but in clothing it with a kind of drapery more or less rich, which never presented a projecting outline, contenting itself with enveloping the geometric form as would an embroidered stuff, or a diapered covering. Remarkable then as were the arts of Egypt, it is clear that the spirit of criticism and logical method were wanting; and that traditional forms, hallowed by long use, were clung to and repro- duced when the method of building which suggested them had been replaced by other systems. Egyptian art proceeded on an unin- terrupted line or course of tradition, and when necessity dictated a change in the methods of construction, or in the materials, the immutable form was not thereby affected, but was perpetuated in spite of novel conditions. The principal remains of ancient Egyptian architecture are the Pyramids, or royal tombs of the kings, and the temples, a contrast in this respect with Assyria, where the palaces of the kings are the chief remains. The Egyptian wall-paintings, sculptures, jewellery, bronze implements and utensils, which have been unearthed from their temples or tombs, show that the race had attained to a high degree in art. As regards the architec- ture, the impression given to the mind of the spectator is that these buildings were erected for eternity, all the remains having a character of immense solidity, and usually of grand uniformity. The Pyramids (Nos. 4 and 5) are the most extravagant of all ancient buildings in many ways. The relative return in impressiveness and the higher beauties of the art is small when compared with the amount of labour, expense, and material used in their erection. The finishing and fitting of such large masses of granite is remarkable, for many of the blocks, perfectly squared, polished and fitted, are at least 20 feet long by 6 feet wide. The method of quarrying and of transportation for long distances by land and water, and the raising of these blocks of stone into position, is even now uncertain, although M. Choisy in his latest work (see Reference Books, page 30) has produced many probable theories. The Architectural Character of the temples is striking and characteristic (Nos. 5, 7 and 8). The buildings decrease in height from front to back, presenting a disconnected collection of various sized structures, often built at different times, and thus forming a direct contrast to the harmonious whole of a Greek temple, which is all comprised within one " order " of columns, and which is distinctly, both in appearance and reality, one building. The character of the tombs consists in the planning of their mysterious chambers and corridors, which, covered with paintings and hieroglyphics, produce an effect of gloom and solemnity on the spectator.