Page:History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 1.djvu/553

 Bk. II. Ch. VII. NORMANDY. 521 customary to paint on them. An attempt was made, indeed, to heighten the effect of this carving by inlaying the lines with colored mastic or cement ; but the process was soon found to be not only very expensive but very ineffective, and gave way afterwards to sculptured figures in traceried panels. These ornaments easily filled up the very small spaces of wall that were not occupied either by the windows, which were greatly enlarged, or by the constructive sup- ports of the building. Now, however, that color is gone, both from the walls and the windows, this diapering gives a singularly rich and pleasing effect to the architecture of the lower story, and, combined with the massiveness and varied richness of the piers themselves, renders this a nearly unique specimen of a Norman arcade, and one of the most beautiful that has come down to us. These examples are, it is hoped, sufficient to make known the general characteristics of a style which is at the same time of great interest to the English reader from its proximity to our shores, and from its influence on our own, although it is comparatively so familiar as to require less information than many others. Besides the examples above described, many other specimens of Norman architecture might have been given, filling up the details of the series, from the rude simplicity of Jumieges to the elaborate richness of the nave of Bay- eux, and showing a rapidity of progress and boldness in treating the subject hardly surpassed in the succeeding age ; but still, with all its developments, it can only be considei-ed as a first rude attempt to form a style of architecture which was superseded before its principles began to be understood, and lost before it had received any of those finishing touches which form the great element of beauty in all the more perfect styles.