DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.20658#0187
ARCHITECTURE IN LANDSCAPE. 173
Paul's is that the exterior, both of the portico and of the sides, is broken into two orders of co-
lumns and pilasters, instead of having the pediment and cornice supported on one range extend-
ing from the ground. For the only pretence for different ranges of columns or pilasters over one
another is that, as in a modern dwelling-house, each range may be supposed to support the se-
veral floors into which the edifice is divided.
The columns of the portico of St. Peter's at Rome extend at once to the attic: but then, as the
intervals of the columns are built up, and divided into two stories of windows and arcades, the
grand effect of the portico is destroyed; and instead of a magnificent and lofty open range of
columns, the spectator is mortified at observing them sunk as it were in a wall, which the beholder
may imagine rather to have been built at a later period, in order to give additional solidity and
strength to the frontispiece—a blemish not at all to be seen in St. Paul's.
Instead of employing one order above another, in the composition of an edifice, it is usual to
throw the ground-floor into the form of a basement, on which stands the order that is to orna-
ment the principal story.
The proportion of this basement to the order it is to support, varies according to the destination
of the building : but it ought never to be higher than the whole, nor lower than the half of the
order it supports. Basements are commonly rusticated, that is, the stones are so cut and placed
as to resemble the rude blocks as they rise from the quarry. But in this the taste and judgement
of the artist are to be displayed. The huge rough masses which compose the exterior of a New-
gate prison, admirably characterise the intention of the building, but would appear most incon-
gruous in a palace or an assembly-room.
Pediments were originally used to cover only sacred buildings: but in the end of the Roman
republic, when luxury and magnificence had made great progress, they were also introduced
into private edifices.
Pediments are represented both triangular and round ; but the first species is not only more
natural, as evidently resembling the end of a raised roof, but is lighter, of easier construction, and
far more picturesque than the last kind.
The circular pediment is now seldom introduced, excepting over doors or windows, where it is
generally used alternately with the triangular.
The horizontal or lower entablature of a pediment, representing the girding beams of a build-
ing, ought never to be broken or interrupted by windows, arches, or the like.
The proportions of pediments depend much upon their general size, for the same proportions
do not suit all cases. Thus when the base of a pediment is short the height is increased : but
when the pediment is long the height is diminished. The proportions most approved are to make
the height from one fourth part to one fifth of the length of the base, according to the extent of
the front of the pediment, and the general style of the building it is to cover and ornament.
The Tympanum or plain space contained within the pediment is often appropriated to receive
emblematical or historical ornaments in relief, and thereby present an ample field for display of
genius and skill, to the sculptor, the architect, and the painter.
Entrances are of two sorts, doors and gates; the former for persons on foot and the latter ad-
mitting also horsemen and carriages. Doors are used in churches houses and apartments: but
gates give admission into cities, fortresses, palaces, parks, &c. and are generally constructed in
the form of an arch ; whereas the doors ought to be in that of a parallelogram.
2 y The
Paul's is that the exterior, both of the portico and of the sides, is broken into two orders of co-
lumns and pilasters, instead of having the pediment and cornice supported on one range extend-
ing from the ground. For the only pretence for different ranges of columns or pilasters over one
another is that, as in a modern dwelling-house, each range may be supposed to support the se-
veral floors into which the edifice is divided.
The columns of the portico of St. Peter's at Rome extend at once to the attic: but then, as the
intervals of the columns are built up, and divided into two stories of windows and arcades, the
grand effect of the portico is destroyed; and instead of a magnificent and lofty open range of
columns, the spectator is mortified at observing them sunk as it were in a wall, which the beholder
may imagine rather to have been built at a later period, in order to give additional solidity and
strength to the frontispiece—a blemish not at all to be seen in St. Paul's.
Instead of employing one order above another, in the composition of an edifice, it is usual to
throw the ground-floor into the form of a basement, on which stands the order that is to orna-
ment the principal story.
The proportion of this basement to the order it is to support, varies according to the destination
of the building : but it ought never to be higher than the whole, nor lower than the half of the
order it supports. Basements are commonly rusticated, that is, the stones are so cut and placed
as to resemble the rude blocks as they rise from the quarry. But in this the taste and judgement
of the artist are to be displayed. The huge rough masses which compose the exterior of a New-
gate prison, admirably characterise the intention of the building, but would appear most incon-
gruous in a palace or an assembly-room.
Pediments were originally used to cover only sacred buildings: but in the end of the Roman
republic, when luxury and magnificence had made great progress, they were also introduced
into private edifices.
Pediments are represented both triangular and round ; but the first species is not only more
natural, as evidently resembling the end of a raised roof, but is lighter, of easier construction, and
far more picturesque than the last kind.
The circular pediment is now seldom introduced, excepting over doors or windows, where it is
generally used alternately with the triangular.
The horizontal or lower entablature of a pediment, representing the girding beams of a build-
ing, ought never to be broken or interrupted by windows, arches, or the like.
The proportions of pediments depend much upon their general size, for the same proportions
do not suit all cases. Thus when the base of a pediment is short the height is increased : but
when the pediment is long the height is diminished. The proportions most approved are to make
the height from one fourth part to one fifth of the length of the base, according to the extent of
the front of the pediment, and the general style of the building it is to cover and ornament.
The Tympanum or plain space contained within the pediment is often appropriated to receive
emblematical or historical ornaments in relief, and thereby present an ample field for display of
genius and skill, to the sculptor, the architect, and the painter.
Entrances are of two sorts, doors and gates; the former for persons on foot and the latter ad-
mitting also horsemen and carriages. Doors are used in churches houses and apartments: but
gates give admission into cities, fortresses, palaces, parks, &c. and are generally constructed in
the form of an arch ; whereas the doors ought to be in that of a parallelogram.
2 y The