Page:Charles Moore--Development and Character of Gothic Architecture.djvu/329



during the twelfth and early thirteenth centuries the art of painting on the walls of churches, and of otherwise employing colour in architecture, was extensively practised in all the countries of Europe, yet there was nothing in other countries of essentially different character from that which was produced in France. The tenderness of sentiment and elegance of design which give charm to the works of French genius were not, indeed, equalled in other countries; but in general principles the art was the same all over Europe until the close of the thirteenth century, when, in Italy, the great movement set in which ultimately led, in that country, to the highest developments of painting.

The earliest pictorial art in Italy was posterior to the epoch of strictly Gothic building in the North. But being associated with the early pointed architecture of the country, the beginnings of this art form properly a part of our subject.

Italian painting exhibits from the first, qualities which are hardly met with in the same degree of advancement in the Gothic of the North. Though the outline remains distinct it is less prominent than in France, and the marking of details is more delicate and finished. The elements of chiaroscuro and perspective, though very slightly and imperfectly suggested, are nevertheless present from the first. In fact, a more pictorial treatment is everywhere manifest. Moreover, an increase of skill in design and of elaboration