Page:Charles Moore--Development and Character of Gothic Architecture.djvu/300

Rh fulness of monumental exigencies in enthusiasm for natural beauty, this sculpture, as much as any other in the building, exhibits the peculiar merits of the best work of the time.

Among capitals which, though less finely wrought, show great beauty and variety of naturalistic design, are those of the Cathedral of Laon, of which Fig. 115, from the triforium of the south transept, is one of the most characteristic. The

FIG. 181. variety of beautiful designs to be seen in this triforium almost exceeds that of all other churches except Paris. They invariably show a keen enjoyment of nature, and wonderful skill in the adaptation of naturalistic motives. The types are quite distinct from those of Paris, but they are hardly inferior to the finest of those which that cathedral presents.

Passing to the foliate sculpture of other members, the running leaf patterns of the archivolts of the façade of Paris are conspicuous examples of the very finest. A portion of