XXVI 



INTRODUCTION. 



of the human mind. Each found its counterpart in domains other than 

 that of art. Under the aspect of its insistence on law and order the 

 classical influence may be regarded as associated with the growth of 

 the organised modern State. It was liable to degenerate into a despotic 

 system of rules, even as the State developed into an absolute and cruel 

 autocracy. The other element, the Gothic and native influence, may 

 be regarded and in this respect it found an ally in the individualist 

 side of the Renaissance as standing for freedom from rule, and thus as 

 associated with those forces in the national life which opposed the 

 encroachments of authority whether in Church or State. But, like 

 them, it was liable to foster licence and anarchy. 



Since it is the task of the following pages to trace the interactions 

 of these twin forces in the architectural world, and to describe the styles 

 to which they gave birth, the narrative begins in the opening chapter at 

 the moment when the dynastic wars of the late fifteenth century brought 

 France into direct contact with Italy, and provided an opportunity 

 for the Renaissance influence to burst upon French architecture like a 

 fertilising flood. 



4. PERIGUEUX : HOUSES ON THE QUAY. 



