Page:An Encyclopædia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture and Furniture.djvu/803

 PRINCIPLES FOR DESIGNING VILLAS. 779 have been joined much more modern additions in front. Here, again, the commanding ele- vation of the square tower gives that consequence to the edifice, without which it would have no effect. Hence Architects may observe how important it is to have one bold well-p!aced part in an irregular pile of building." If the reader imagine this square tower removed, the whole pile will not only appear tame, but there will be a want of that central resting place for the eye, which is essential to produce the effect of a whole. Let him also imagine a tower of equal height, raised over the lower mass to the right of the picture, and he will find the idea of a whole materially lessened ; simply, because there would then be no centre to the field of vision. Place a higher tower than either between the two, and the idea of a whole will be restored. Fig. 1420 is from Michael Angelo. " This edifice is taken from the picture of the Rape 1420 of Ganymede. It has a very picturesque appearance ; and here, again, the high central tower unites the whole, and gives a pleasing sky line. The termination of such buildings by a massive round tower based a little below the rest of the /^ _ 142 building, gives, we think, the look of stability and firmness to the whole." In this picture, the trees, and the background of the centre of the building, are in some measure necessary to the completion of a whole ; but they might have been dispensed with by a small tower, or even lofty chimney-tops rising out of the large square tower. The re- moval of the pyramidal top to the small tower on the right, would have also produced the same effect. The embattled terrace harmonises with the em- battled parapets of the towers and of the right wing, and con- trasts advantageously with the roofs of the square and round towers to the right of the pic- ture. Fig. 1421 is from Claude."We have here a singular group of towers tv^ken from a drawing by this great master. Tlic whole is built for strength and security." Viewed as a dwelling, there is little appearance of habitablcness in this collection of towers ; but that very circumstance contributes to its effect as a castle. The whole group consists of eight towers, contrasted in dimensions, in height, in position, and in light and shade. Imagine the eight towers ;-'laced in a line rising from one level basis, and thi> building would have had little or no claim to attention, and certainly none to approbation.