Page:History of Art in Primitive Greece - Mycenian Art Vol 2.djvu/173

 134 Primitive Greece: Mycenian Art. to the great hall, it is quite possible that in the oldest buildings the only light it received may have been from a square aperture pierced in the centre of the roof. But as the rain would pene- trate the room as well as the light, put out the fire, drench the inmates, and ruin the pavement, means must have been sought, with the advance of the carpenter's art, for obviating so great an inconvenience. This was found in a lantern set up above the centre of the room, furnished at the four sides with apertures which not only let in the light, but formed an outlet for the escape of the smoke. We had, of course, no choice but to set it up ; such as it is, however, it would have formed a poor obstacle against percolating water, since it is no more than an **archi- traved cornice," which enframes the thin ceiling and the layer of earth above it. True, this species of cornice crops up in a certain class of Ionic tombs of Asia Minor, and also in the Pandrosion at Athens, yet the existence even then of more elaborate and richer entablatures is clearly demonstrated by the sepulchral fa9ades, where the leading lines of the decorative scheme of a palatial front are apparently reproduced. There was, then, a form of regal abode which in some sort followed on that about which we are busy, whose mode of construction and adornment were dependent on a more advanced art. This it is which we have essayed to embody and re-establish in elevation and section (Pis. XL, XII.) as the final expression in the development of this architecture. In our view of Tiryns (PI. VIII.), the palace of the first type is seen towering above the walls ; a distant view of the second type — to be defined presently, and which allows of no detail to be clearly made out— is given under the heading of Mycena*. (PI. IX.). As in the first restoration, in this also we have no intention of reviving subordinate apartments ; for although they are associated with and encircle the great hall, want of height and size makes them look insignificant. The fact that the shape and extent of the area covered by the royal house is not the same at Tiryns as at Mycenae, has influenced the number and distri- bution of the minor buildings. Following the example set by the Mycenian architect, we shall bring the main effort of our restor- ation to bear on the megaron. The younger palace, the palace of the second epoch, is built on the same plan as that of the first type. We assume that the builder, having gained experience and practical skill, has supplemented his former insufficiencies,