GENOESE VILLAS 
niches, statues in grisaille, and other ornaments, all 
executed by a skilful hand. The windows on the first 
floor have broken pediments with a shell-like move- 
ment, and those above show the same treatment, alter- 
nating with the usual triangular pediment. But the 
crowning distinction of the house consists in the two 
exquisite loggias which form the angles of the second 
story. These tall arcades, resting on slender columns, 
give a wonderful effect of spreading lightness to the 
facade, and break up its great bulk without disturbing 
the general impression of strength and dignity. As a 
skilful distribution of masses the elevation of the Villa 
Imperiali deserves the most careful study, and it is to 
be regretted that it can no longer be seen in combina- 
tion with the wide-spread terraces which once formed a 
part of its composition. 
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