[13] Our ancient sculpture is therefore of inexpressible value to us; and it is to be hoped that we shall hear less and less of that destructive and dangerous process called “restoration” in connection with it. The Guardian lately contained a paragraph stating that a London carver is employed on the restoration of the ancient figure-sculpture at Lincoln. I shudder to think of the havoc which (if I may judge of him by the former performances of his class) he must be making. If the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln possessed a picture by an old master, would they employ a painter to touch up the noses and put in new heads where the old painting was defective? Assuredly not. And can they not feel that any sculpture is just as much a work of art, owing all its interest to the genius of the artist, as any painting can be, and as far beyond restoration therefore?
[14] I am, of course, aware that some of these churches are not locally situated within the Île de France, and one of them—Rouen Cathedral—might have been expected to be purely Norman in its character. To my mind, however, it represents a fusion between the Norman and the real French style, affected, moreover, at first to some extent by Italian influences. And Rouen, as well as most of these churches, was comprised within the Domaine Royale before the death of Philip Augustus.
[15] The plan of an aisle or “procession-path” without chapels is, in execution, the only form of apse, the effect of which is decidedly inferior to our English square ends. It is on the exterior that its deformity is most conspicuous.
[16] The chapels round the apse of Senlis Cathedral form an intermediate link between the two plans at S. Leu. They form exactly half a circle on plan, and have only two bays, one of which is lighted with a window. Externally they have stone roofs, finishing under the triforium windows. These two churches should be studied and compared together.
[17] No one who visits S. Leu should omit to go also to Senlis. He will find a tower and spire of unusual—if not unique—beauty and elegance. There are two fine desecrated churches, and other remains which, with the charming cathedral, make a tout ensemble not easily forgotten. It is a walk of about six miles only from S. Leu—passing by Chantilly.
[18] I copied the following from the “Tariff” of the seats in S. Étienne:—
“Une stalle haute par année, 8 fr.
Une stalle basse par année, 5 fr.
Les deux premiers bancs à chaque côté du chœur, 8 fr.
Les deux centres bancs derrière l’autel, 7 fr. 50 c.”
[19] See the Illustration of a Wheel of Fortune in Les Arts Somptuaires, Vol. II., taken from a MS. in the Bibl. Imp., No. 6877.
[20] This work recalls to mind the work of the same character at Glastonbury.
[21] It is sometimes called also the “Sainte Chapelle” of S. Germer: I know not, however, on what grounds. M. Viollet-le-Duc does not mention it in his list of S. Chapelles.