Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/387

 MUCHALLS HOUSE 371 FOURTH PERIOD as elsewhere at this period, are of a Renaissance character, and the Classic figures and mottoes introduced are simply part of the revival of that style. It might as well be maintained that the Renaissance Archi- tecture of France and Germany was executed by foreigners as that that of Scotland was. The whole design of Muchalls and other Scottish houses of this date, both in plan and in the leading features of the elevations, is purely Scottish, and undoubtedly the work of Scottish architects. The slow and gradual introduction of the Renaissance style, first in the in- ternal details and decorations, and afterwards in the external ornaments and mouldings, indicates that it was of native growth. FIG. 818. Muchalls House. View from the South-East. The same influence which led to the rise and gradual spreading of Renaissance in other countries was evidently at work in this country, and the very timid and cautious manner in which it was introduced shows that it was not the work of foreigners who introduced it ready-made, but of native artists gradually feeling their way. The wall enclosing the courtyard is interesting, as few specimens of such erections remain. It was ornamented rather than fortified with crenellated open bartisans, with a parapet between, also no doubt crenel- lated. There would also probably be a parapet walk behind, but these features have been partly altered, and a plain parapet substituted. The triple shot-'holes on each side of the gateway are of the form common about this date, as at Tolquhan, etc.