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78 



ARCHITECTURE BOOK I. 



CHAPTER III. 



OF CHARACTERS IN ARCHITECTURE. 



We have seen in the former chapter that all the beautiful com- 

 binations of forms which we find in nature may be produced in 

 architecture. These combinations are also capable of particu- 

 lar expressions ; as will appear evident," by just noticing, from 

 Chap. IV. of the Essay on Taste, some of the characteristic 

 marks by which these expressions are produced. 



Thus Grandeur and Sublimity are produced by greatness 

 of dimensions, succession, and uniformity of parts, &c. of which 

 buildings are perfectly capable. 



Beauty is characterized by delicacy, the prevalence of cir- 

 cular forms, and smoothness of surface, which, to a certain 

 degree, are also capable of being produced. 



Picturesque Beauty is characterized by roughness and 

 irregularity, &c. which can easily be produced both in the out- 

 line of the mass, and the surface of the materials. 



