Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/437

 1868.] The Minsters of Europe. 359 on all sides. Stained-glass and large quantities of materials were donated. The great work was vigorously pushed forward, at intervals, during the century ; and its present condition may be thus described : The choir has been entirely restored, inside and out. The whole of the inte- rior of the Cathedral, with slight excep- tions, has been completed. On the 2d September, 1867, the grand square round the north and east sides was opened to the public. It is a most magnificent work, adding greatly to the dignity of the exterior of the Cathedral ; and making a marked contrast with the miserable surroundings of former years. Special mention must be made of one of the chief ornaments of the interior, the restoration of which has been re- cently effected, namely : The Beredos of the Altar, in the eastern aisle of the south transept, the carving on which is the most elaborate and exquisite speci- men of that art in the 16th century. The work of restoring and completing the Cathedral of Cologne was resumed in the spring of the present year ; and it is to be hoped, that the grand old minster may yet be completed, and that in our day may thus be united the art of the middle ages with that of the 19th century, thus honoring the work of the Unknown Architect of six and a-half centuries ago, and falsifying the legendary prophecy — " Unfinished /" Strasbueg Cathedral. By many this magnificent work is placed in the foremost rank of European minsters, as the noblest of Gothic edi- fices. If purity of style be a test of architectural character, we would most decidedly object to this sweeping asser- tion of the pre-eminence of Strasburg At the same time, we would be most willing to give to it all that credit, which its really unrivalled execution as a won- derful work of art deserves. The Romanesque Choir is undoubt- edly the work of an earlier day ; and here Strasburg is in a similar predica- ment with Milan in having an incon- gruous mixture of styles. Apart from that objection, the fascinating tracery of the former can never fail to attract the admiration of the most critical, it presenting the appearance of a gorgeous screen of exquisitely cut stone encasing the building. But, the effect is not alto- gether satisfactory, owing to the confu- sion created by the intricacy of lines, which, in their multiplicity and constant intersections, are the cause of the indis- tinctness, so much complained of by all who look upon it, even for a lengthened time. The Spire is the great object of admi- ration, rising as it does 468 feet above the pavement, making it the highest spire in Europe, and actually 24 feet higher than the great Pyramid of Egypt. Unlike Cologne, the minster under consideration has its Architect's name preserved. It was the work of Erwin of Steinbach, whose plans are now to be seen in the building. When he was born we do not know but he commenced the nave in the j-ear 1015. He died when his great work was in a forward state. It was continued by his sons, and after by his daughter, and finished in 1215, which last fact is certainly sug- gestive of the ability of woman to work out gigantic ideas in architecture ; and clearly shows the way to the gentle sex to enter on the study of this, hitherto, to them almost unknown field. The beautiful Cathedral holds the cherished remains of this, its family of architects. it was not until 1439, or 424 j-ears after its commencement, that the tower was completed, under the superintendence of John Hultz, of Cologne. Thus the professional skill of the one city was employed on the two rival minsters of Europe, giving to Cologne the advan- tage over Strasburg. The original archi- tect, Erwin of Steinbach, however, has insured his fame, by executing a statue of himself, which occupies a position, where he and his sou and daughter are