Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-12-18
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ARCHITECTURE--GOTHIC

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In the second century the practice Of despoiling
old edifices of their ornaments and arranging them
in another in buildings prevailed to great
extent; hence stye OF architecture which has
been termed --Gothic-implying that the
classic features of the art we're arranged in bar
barous manner. The chief pecuIiarities Of this
style were using the arch to span the intervals be-
tween columns, and the accumulation of these col
umns and arches in tiers above each other. IL
prevailed for several centuries In Italy, and traces
Of 1t still to be found In other countries OF Eu-
rope laslla 81 ssHt 3t2@
Among the Greeks and Romans, previous to the
Christian era it was the custom to build religious
edifces for the purpose of enshrining their Gods,
not for the accommodation Of the people, and con-
sequently no arrangements for the admission OF
light was taken into consideration. But when the
Emperor Constantine was converted, he built .
church for the purpose Of Worship which he called
st. Peters. The ground floor was in the form Of
Greek cross, and the entrance on the west. The
building was divided into three portions, the n0ue
or the portion of the interior between the entrance
and the crossing part the choir, or the portion
| beyond, which contained the chancel, and the
transept, which was the crossing portion Over
the Intersection was either DOME cupola, tower,
or spire. This was the prevailing form of all the
great churches and cathedrals erected during the
middle ages.
/ The most striking peculiarities Of the Gothic
style are pointed arches sharp pinnaces and SPIRES
thick buttresses, vaulted roofs, and clustered col
umns. Its origin is involved in obscurity. Some
suppose 1t to have been an imitation Of Druidica
| groves and bowers, and that the groyed ribs and
intcrlacing arches resemble the entwining of bow
ers. Others suppose 1t to have risen from the de-
generate Roman style which was rapidly lengthen-
ing its columns and pointing its arches in its de-
cline. But oil deny that it took its rise among
| the Goths--but rather think the name was given
| to signify the barbarity of it's design compared
with the beauties OF the classic orders This style
prevailed for centuries all Europe, but rose to
| its highest degree Of perfection in England.
| The Gothic order has been arranged in three
periods, as follows The age of the lancetarch, of
| the triangular arch, and Of the fiat arch. The
first of these periods occupied parts Of the 18th
and 18th centuries, and was distinguished by the
thigh, sharp-pointed ARCH and the finely tapered
| spre. The triangular arch, as its name denotes,
was shaped like an equilateral triangle. It -four
ished during parts Of the 18th and l4th centuries,
and considered the purest Of the three styles,
not being deficient in ornament, as was the first,
nor having redundancy, as did the last. The
period of the fiat arch and forid Gothic order
were the same from the last Of the 18th to the end
Of the 10th centuries. The arch sunk through
every grade to the most obtuse and every spot was
| profusely ornamented. The pendant was an orna-
ment peculiar TO this age. 1t resembled inverted
pyramid, suspended from the vaulted ceiling,
wherever cluster of groves met, projecting many
feet downward into the room, and was often carved
in the most expensive manner.
The principal cathedrals of England belong to
| no particular period of the Gothic style, as they
were often 30 long in progress Of construction as
to pass through all the various periods of the art
| There are some that, while they possess the three
periods, also show traces OF the Norman and Saxon
arches. ~
mho - o;ant L:ta..,... t..-. - q. a:c
erent parts of Europe during the sixteenth century,
| starting In Italy. In England, the revival of the
classic was brought about by lingo Jones, who
sided long in Italy, studying the ancient models,
| and under Sir Christopher Wrenn, the most cele-
brated architect England ever produced. The eff
feet Of the explorations and importations Of Lord
Elgn who 80 long resided as an ambassador in
Constantinople, had much to do with this change
Of opinion on the part of the nation. In fact the
Elgin marbles, as they are styled, has made Lon
don the repository of some Of the finest specimens
of ancient architecture. 3a 99e1pS
Professor Smell now left the Gothic style and
gave Illustrations of the Chinese and Turkish Or
ders Of architecture. The prevailing features of
the Chinese order is derived from the tent Their
slender columns, without capitals resemble stakes,
| and their concave roof curtain or awning The
style is therefore very light and unsubstsntial, and
their mode of ornamenting enhances that appear
ance. Columns and moudings are sometimes
| gilded or japanned, or Powered with tinsel, and
on the corners of the roof are suspended small
bells that Jingle in the wind Roof tiles are paint
ed green or yellow, and vanished A avorte or
nament Is dragon sculptured upon the prominent
| points of their buildings. Except their pagodas
none of their buildings exhibit any magni6cence,
| or possess any architectural merit even their
palaces are contemplate, and owe all their supe-
riority to the glitter that would please child.
The most striking features Of the Turkish edilice
| is the Saracenic arch. 1t has variety Of forms,
but Its most remarkable feature is that It's diameter
increases from the base upward little distance be-
/ fore it begins TO contract. dome of this con-
struction appears somewhat like an inflated bal
loon. The form is unphilosophical, as the lateral
pressures, produced by the weight Of the upper
part tends 70 thrust the projecting portion of from
its base. In large dome IL would be necessary TO
encic Gle each leyer Of stones with strong chain
from the base TO some strong point above the swell
Also, the dome is Of a double curvature. Another
popularity is the minnaret This Is tall, slender
tower Of cylindrical or octagonal shape, surround
ed with one or two balconies, from whence the,
muerrin summons the people to prayer, and an
Hounces the hours OF the day. answering very poor
| ly the purposes of bell and clock in Christian
| church.
| The subject was illustrated throughout by draw
ings of the interior, exterior and ground plan Of
the principal buildings of each class, or the Goth
ic Chinese and Saracenfc orders, and mich of the
interest was occasoned by being informed Of the
architecture of buildings now the pride of Europe
and the world. The Professor forgot his usual plan
Of illustrating his subject of the varisus orders in
this country and win supply the omission on We'd
nesday evening before he approaches his legitimate
subject
The next lecturcfs upon the subject Of the ro-
tary motion Of the planets.
ARNY's CONFECTIONERY.
No. 81, Bridge street, Georgetown.
NT0w il the time, and this is the place, TO engage
yo,,r RI rf,trna. and Now Year'a Gatca aach