Lectures on the rise and development of medieval architecture; vol. 2Scott, George Gilbert, Sir
History
Lectures on the rise and development of medieval architecture; vol. 2
Scott, George Gilbert, Sir
Architecture, Gothic; Architecture, Medieval
The width, too, of the jambs of doorways is often increased, and more
space gained for enrichment, by giving to each order in the jamb a
larger space than would otherwise be necessary of square face between
the shafts (Fig. 309).
[Illustration: Fig. 309. Fig. 310. Fig. 311.]
In some cases, also (as in the doorway in the Castle at Durham), there
is a small arch-order which continues down the jambs between the
principal orders, and adds much richness to the effect.
In later examples, two ranges of shafts were often introduced; the outer
ones carrying the orders, and the inner ones having capitals lost under
the main capitals, as if carrying an imaginary order hidden within the
visible mass of the arch. These are, in fact, the parallels of the
supernumerary shafts I have mentioned as often existing in clustered
piers. Thus, in St. Leonard’s Priory, Stamford (a work of the twelfth
century), we find two ranges backed by a plain splayed surface (Fig.
312). In the Galilee at Ely (somewhat later), the second range is backed
by large hollows between salient mouldings (Fig. 310); and again at
Lichfield, the back range is, as at Stamford, placed against a splayed
surface, but relieved by ranges of large toothed ornaments running up
behind each of the front shafts (Fig. 311).
[Illustration: 312.--St. Leonard’s Priory, Stamford.]
The windows also differ from mere arched openings in having a
_functional_ plane, which occupies one order, and is needed to receive
the glazing. The orders are never so numerous in windows as in rich
doorways, rarely exceeding two besides that which receives the glass.
The inner side is usually splayed, to diffuse the light through the
interior. It is not my intention in this lecture to treat in detail
either of doorways or windows; but having stated that a system of
receding arch-orders was originally the origin of window tracery, I will
say a few words in explanation of my statement.
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