Old Houses in HollandJones, Sydney R. (Sydney Robert)
History
Old Houses in Holland
Jones, Sydney R. (Sydney Robert)
Architecture, Domestic -- Netherlands
Other wrought ironwork was used for various purposes on doors and
windows, as well as to heighten the effect of certain features. A good
instance of its application is demonstrated by the key-escutcheon,
with supporting iron decorations, from Middelburg (page 123). The
workmanship is of a traditional kind, with Gothic forms recalled by
the cusps on the pierced plates. The iron door-knocker, appearing
on the same page, is an interesting example of curious design and
belongs to the sixteenth or seventeenth century. For windows, ironwork
was used in the stout stay-bars and stanchions, instances of which,
fitted to an oval opening, are furnished from Leiden (page 122).
The magnificent wrought vanes of Holland, surmounting lofty belfries
on public buildings, are justly famous and are reflected in the less
elaborate shapes that adorn the roof points or gable terminations
of business and dwelling-houses. One, from Middelburg (page 122),
is a beautiful example of an iron terminal. The crowning figure and
fleur-de-lis are gilded, while signs and symbols of the Zodiac are
worked around the outer and inner open-framed globes. Simpler vanes are
common throughout the country, attached to farmhouses or stables. That
from Broek (page 122) is shaped like a swan; one may be seen at
Veere which takes the form of a ship. The shaft of the weathercock
from Hees (page 124) is made up of iron scrolls, welded together,
and four projecting arms point to north, south, east and west.
The leadwork to be observed on domestic buildings is not of remarkable
interest. There are no wonderful decorated rain-water heads such as
may be seen elsewhere, and lead heads, when used at all, are for the
most part comparatively plain, square projections. The examples from
Zutphen, reproduced on page 122, illustrate two ordinary forms. An
interesting feature, prevalent in North Holland, is the lead finial
placed at the apex of a hipped roof. There are many examples in the
streets of Hoorn, three of which are shown on page 124. Notice should
be taken of the delicate little fretwork heads; the repoussé patterns
on the upright sides; and the iron vane which surmounts one of the
examples. These objects, although of little practical use, have a
decorative value that well justifies their existence. In all these
exterior features and details, whether executed in wood or stone,
metal or brick, there is especial evidence of the type of mind that
was concerned with their production; they pertinently give the key to
temperament and character. Such work resulted from deliberate thought
and calculation, rather than from imaginative impulse. Sometimes
it verged on dulness, yet there is always traceable a certain solid
strength and vigour. This is well seen in the stone carvings, here
illustrated, whose subjects are often lacking in originality or follow
some oft-repeated theme. They are excellently carved, however, and
attain interest in consequence. For the individuality of the masons
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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