Lectures on the rise and development of medieval architecture; vol. 2

by Sir George Gilbert Scott

J. LEITCH & C^os PHOTO GRAVURE

Sir Geo. Gilbert Scott R.A. Architect

to press upon you is, that it should be equally welcomed into our revived Gothic architecture. That revival needs but such a welcoming of all that is good and noble to render it complete, and no feature possesses these qualities in a higher degree than the cupola. Let us, therefore, make it our own.

I have myself made some few attempts at this, which I venture to submit to you.[71]

The dome, however, without its appropriate decorations, is but the body without the soul. It is the sister art of painting which breathes life into the otherwise breathless form. This painting must, however, be adapted to its position with skill, knowledge, and study. I have not time left to dilate on this subject, but commend it to the students of that art, only begging them to remember that, while exercising their art upon an object like the dome, which has an essential form on which its very stability, real or apparent, depends, they must keep it in such subordination as not to disturb that essential, but rather to bring out and emphasise it; otherwise, what I am urging will not prove a loving union, but a hostile collision, of the two sister arts.

LECTURE XVIII.
The Transition.

Sculpture and Painting arise directly from artistic aspirations, Architecture from practical necessities beautified—Architecture, as distinguished from mere building, is the decoration of construction—The History of Architecture has never been viewed as an object of study previous to our own day—Phases of the study—Dangers to be avoided—History of Architecture is the history of civilisation—Western distinct from Eastern civilisation, and to be studied separately—Source of our branch—Its development and progressive stages—The Gothic Renaissance—Advice to the architectural student.

I AM now about to close the very fitful and non-continuous series of lectures which I have from time to time, during the last fourteen years, had the honour of delivering from this chair.

I have to express my regret that it has never been in my power, owing to the press of other engagements, to give the full complement of six lectures in each season; and that in some years I have been prevented by circumstances—wholly beyond my own control—from lecturing at all. I may further mention that my earlier lectures were only pro-professorial, and were coupled with a parallel course on Classic Architecture by Mr. Smirke, who subsequently, on being appointed professor, took for five years the whole duty upon himself; so that, as I said before, my own lectures have been but fitful and non-continuous.