Page:Charles Moore--Development and Character of Gothic Architecture.djvu/139

Rh were constructed between 1140 and 1160. Here the octagonal pyramid, instead of rising directly from the square tower, is raised upon an octagonal drum, and Four pinnacles built up vertically against the diagonal walls of this drum are based upon the angle buttresses of the tower, continuing their lines and crowned by pyramidal summits at the level where the great pyramid begins. Pointed arched openings in the four cardinal faces of the vertical octagon are surmounted by acute gables which rise far above the angle pyramids and abut the inclined walls of the spire. Coursed half-round mouldings strengthen and adorn the spire angles, and a similar moulding is wrought upon the middle of each face. The transition from the square to the octagon is thus accomplished in the happiest manner; and the continuity of lines, all of which have a perfectly structural function and expression, is complete from the ground to the apex.

The spire of the Cathedral of Senlis (Fig. 65), erected early in the thirteenth century, marks the culmination of pure Gothic design in this feature. In constructive principle it presents all the excellences of the spire of Chartres; while for beauty of proportions, grace of outline, and refinement of details, it is hardly equalled by any other spire of