Page:History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 1.djvu/582

 550 FRENCH ARCHITECTURE. Part 11 quite so happy as in this instance. Taken altogetlier, however, few chevets in France ai'e more perfect and beautiful tlian this almost unknown example. The cathedral of Troyes, commenced in 1206, and continued steadily for more than three centuries, is one of the few in France designed originally with five aisles and a range of chapels. The effect, however, is far from satisfactory. The great width thus given makes the whole appear low, and the choir wants that expansion and dignity which is 403. Facade of Catliedral at Troyes. (From Aniaud.) SO pleasing at Rheims and Chartres. Still the details and design of the earlier parts are good and elegant ^ and the west front (Woodcut No. 403), though belonging wliolly to the 16th century, is one of the most i)leasing si)ecimens of flamboyant work in France, being rich without exul)erance, and devoid of the l)ad taste that sometimes dis- figures works of this class and age. The cathedral at Soissons is on j of the most pleasing of all these churches. Nothing can surpass the justness of the proportions of the