THE STYLES.
ANCIENT OR CLASSIC. 1400 B.C.—300 A.D.
Egyptian.—Characteristics: symbolic, severe,
simple, grand, massive. Conventional forms of lotus,
papyrus, etc. Oblique lines.
Greek.—Characteristics: æsthetic, simple,
harmonious, beautiful. Conventional forms, anthemion,
acanthus. Ellipse.
Roman.—Characteristics: elaborate, rich, costly.
Conventional forms, acanthus scroll, monsters. Circle.
MEDIEVAL. 300 A.D.—1300 A.D.
Byzantine.—Symbolic, rich, elaborate. Conventional
forms, principal architectural feature—dome.
Saracenic.—Gorgeous coloring, graceful curves.
Forms entirely geometric. Arabesque, geometrical
tracery, interlacing.
Gothic.—Imposing, grand. Pointed arches, clustered
columns, vaulted roof, spire buttress. Forms both natural
and conventional. Stained glass.
MODERN OR RENAISSANCE. 1300 A.D.—1900 A.D.
Renaissance.—Mixture of classic and mediæval
elements. Result not generally good.
Cinquecento.—Æsthetic, revival of true classic
principles. Beautiful curves, fine proportions
and distribution. Conventional animal and plant
forms. Human figure.
Louis Quatorze.—Sparkling, glittering. Absence
of color, want of symmetry.