The Beautiful

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1049, 13 August 1930, Page 6

The Beautiful

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(By

"PENATES.")

French Architecture Reviewed

Mediaeval and Renaissance Styles Reach Perfection in Gallic Cathedra-ls. A public lecture on French architecture was given by Professor C. R. Knight in the Auckland University Hall last week. In speaking of the mediaeval period. Professor Knight dealt mostly with three typical examples—Rheims Cathedral, Notre Dame, and the cathedral at Amiens. ‘‘lt is a law of art,” he said, “that there be no indecision. Styles must be either horizontal or vertical, though that does not, of course, forbid contrast. The classic styles have a predominance of horizontal lines, the Gothic of vertical.” French architecture was divided into two periods, mediaeval and Renaissance. The architectual history of the country was begun during the mediaeval period. The Gothic of the Ilth, 12th, and 13tb centuries was the first fully developed style. The first of the great cathedrals was Notre Dame. This was founded in 3163 by Bishop Sully, who demolished the old church of St. Etienne. The high altar was consecrated in 1182; the choir and transcept between 1163 and 11S2; three western bays and towers between 1218 and 1223. The side aisles and chapels were added later. The cathedral was not so slender as Amiens. It might be considered the best of its period. Professor Knight drew attention to its fine silhouette, its solidity, its strong vitality and its vertical expression. This expression was also noticeable inside the cathedral, which was marked by its simple vaults. BEAUTIES OF RHEIMS “Rheims Cathedral,” said Professor Knight, “was begun in 1211, on the site of an earlier cathedral destroyed by fire. In 1241 the choir was in use and the building was completed by the 14-th century. It was much more slender than Notre Dame, and the aisle treatment was different. It was the royal coronation cathedral. There are figures of the kings in niches below the towers. Westminister Abbey was based on Rheims.” Professor Knight showed a slide of the north-west portal which, he said, was superior to the south-west portal, and inferior only to the centre portal. The sculpture in the centre portal was considered the finest that was produced in mediaeval times. The groups representing the Annunciation and the Salutation showed some marvellous treatment of hegds and drapery. Inside there were the same plain vaults and marked verticality, with simple dignity. AMIENS AND VERTICAUTY “The cathedral at Amiens is a triumph of verticality,” said Professor Knight.. “It forms a marked contrast with English styles. Construction was commenced in 1220. The choir was finished in 1269; but the side chapels were not. completed until the BUILDING SOCIETY NOTICES.

14th century, and the north tower was not completed until the 15th century. There is a fine expression about the building, which is, with the possible exception of the uncompleted cathedral at Beauvais, the best specimen of Gothic verticality.” Professor Knght drew interesting comparisons between Amiens and some of the outstanding JOnglish cathedrals—notably file ones at Salisbury and Lincoln, both of which showed many points of contrast. The later work of the mediaeval period tended toward over-decorative-npss, with a consequent loss of structure and form. Professor Knight screened slides showing the ordinary buildings of the period. A slide of some old dwellings at Rheims showed half-timber houses, many of which might still be seen. The period of mediaeval construction came to a gradual end; but France itself was largely mediaeval today. Tourists saw old houses, old streets and picturesque effects. RENAISSANCE STYLES The Renaissance period commenced in Italy about 1400. It was brought to France by kings w'ho had invaded Italy—Charles VIII. in 1494, and Francis 1. in 1527. They brought back some world.famous artists, in-

eluding Leonarda da Vinci and Benvenuto Cellini. The actual building of Renaissance styles was begun by Francis I. The style reached its height in the reign of Louis XIV; with Louis XV. and Louis XVr. it became rather effeminate. The picturesque and vertical character was always dominant in the time of Francis 1. Notable examples of the style were at Blois, where Louis XII was born: and at Orleans where it might be seen in the Hotel de Ville. Professor Knight dealt with the Louvre and the Tuilleries. The Louvre, he said, belonged to all periods. It was begun in 1539, when Francis pulled down an old castle, and was not completed until the time of Napoleon I IT. The Tuilleries, afterward destroyed, were commenced in 1564 by Catherine de Medici. Speaking of Louis XIV, Professor Knight said: ‘‘This great king added much to architecture.” Lemercier and Mansart were his chief architects. Lemercier built the Church of Sorbonne about 1630. Richelieu employed him to design not only his palace, but his whole town. "The early 19th century was marked by a revival of Greek styles. Napoleon was enthusiastic about, the classic designs,” concluded Professor Knight.