232 ON TASTE IN ORNAMENTAL DESIGN. Paet II. 



clock is composed of unmeaning elements, often with figures 

 equally at variance with the idea, and with the dimensions of 

 a dial-plate ; or it takes the form of a chariot wheel, or a 

 sun-flower, for no other reason than because they suit its 

 shape.] And yet there are many appropriate models for 

 clocks, such as were common in France and Germany after 

 the Rennaissance, some simple, others more highly orna- 

 mented, having the great merit of appearing to be intended 

 for the purpose for which they were made. Such is that 

 made at Augsburg in the middle of the 1500 (given by 

 Labarte, p. 378, fig. 163), and now in the South Kensington 

 Museum ; which, though it offends against good taste in the 

 introduction of the horses on the summit and base, is pleas- 

 ing in its form and general character. [Lamps and other 

 articles of use, are similarly composed ; and in France the 

 love of decoration too often overbalances what is necessary 

 or useful ; so that splendid ornaments are frequently con- 

 trasted with a deficiency of the most common requisites in 

 the" unseen portions of a house. 



This was also the case in the houses of ancient Rome; 

 and in the same apartments where "gold and ivory shone 

 forth," where the external decoration that caught the eye was 

 splendid and costly, objects not intended to be seen were 

 common and unfinished. It must, however, be admitted that 

 Greek and Etruscan taste had introduced into Rome a pre- 

 valence of good form in ordinary utensils ; and the saucepan 

 and the strainer, the terra-cotta vase and the lamp, were as 

 remarkable for their elegance as for their finish ; and it would 

 be difficult to find among them the uncouth shapes of our 

 wine-bottles, or of the usual utensils in our houses. But it 

 was to others more polished than themselves that the Romans 

 were indebted for their selection of good works ; and as taste 

 was acquired, not natural to them, they sought them as a 

 luxury. Greece, therefore, was plundered in order that 



