Page:An Encyclopædia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture and Furniture.djvu/1105

 GRECIAN AND MODERN VILLA FURNITURE. lOSl above the square, or rectangular part. How far then may this carving, and the intro- duction of these necks, or circular parts, be admitted, and yet be consistent with archi- tectural design and taste? The answer on architectural principles is, just so far as they do not interfere with the expression of the pillar. The next question is, what ought this expression to be ? First,suitablenessof strength and form to its use ; and, secondlj-, the expression of some kind of l^eauty or style, for the gratification of the beholder. The lower part of the pillai- is very properly formed square on the sides ; because that form is best adapted for being mortised to receive the tenons by which it is joined to the framework of the bed. The upper part of the pillar is conical or tapering ; and it is smaller than the lower part, because the same kind of strength and application is not there wanting ; this part having only to support the perpendicular pressure of the roof. The feet, claws, or bottom knobs, of the pil- lars are brought to points ; partly, we may suppose, be- cause, the narrower the space on which a foot can stand, the more easily is it adjusted to any surface on which it may happen to be placed ; and, partly, because the only kind of strength required there being that of resisting perpendicular pres- sure, the trouble of preserv- ing the square form becomes unnecessary. Thus it would appear, that, as far as expres- sion of purpose is concerned, these bed-pillars are, at least, imobjectionable ; and we shall now, therefore, examine them with respect to their expression of beauty or style. It is afundamental principle, both in nature and art, that the stronger and more mas- sive parts of anj' object should support the lighter and more elegant forms of it ; and this it is, which is the cause of the satisfaction which we feel when we see a cylindrical column placed over a square pedestal, and the conical upper part of the bed-piUars, in the De- signs before us, rising out of the rectangular part. The beauty of the conicr. of these pillars is gi"eat, in proportion as one part seems to arise out of another 6' Ji n p