Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/33

Bk. IV. Ch. II. HILDESHEIM. 17 specimens, which we are apparently justified in considering as con- temporary. Before the later or eastern apse was erected the gallery had almost run into the opposite extreme of minute littleness, and the polygonal form and projecting buttresses of pointed architecture were beginning to supersede the simpler outlines of the parent style, of which these two specimens form as it were the Alpha and the Omega. Between them the examples and varieties are so numerous, that there really is an embarras de richesse in selecting those most apjiropriate for illustration. The cliurch at Hildesheim, erected by Bishop Bernward in the first years of the 11th century, is among the earliest and most interesting of those remaining in sufficient purity to enable us to judge correctly of their original appearance. The plan (Woodcut No. 465) is simple, — first a western transept or facade, a nave little longer than it is broad, terminated by another transept similar to the first, flanked like it by two octagonal towers; beyond this a short choir and simple apse, with a low aisle surrounding it, but not communicating directly with the church. The entrances are, as usual, on each side of the nave, and none at tlie west end. Though the proportions appear short with reference to the breadth, consider- able additional effect is given by the screens that shut off both arms of the eastern transej)t so as not to allow the perspective effect to be broken. Hence the continuous view of the central aisle, beinsr six times as long as it is broad, gives the appearance of far greater length to the church than could be supjiosed possible from its lineal dimen- sions. But the gi-eat beauty here is the elegance both in proportion and details of the pier-arches, which separate the nave from the aisles ; the proportion of the pillars is excellent, their capitals rich and beautiful, and every third pillar being replaced by a pier gives a variety and apparent stability which is extremely pleasing. The church at Limbui-g on the Haart, erected by the Emperor Conrad, a.d. 1035, is a similar though rather a larger church than that at Hildesheim, and possesses a peculiarity somewhat new in Germany, of a handsome western porch and entrance, with a choir with a square termination, instead of with an apse as was usual. The three great typical buildings of this epoch are the Rhenish cathedrals of Mayence, Worms, and Spires. The first was commenced in the 10th century, and still possesses parts belonging to that age. The present edifice at Worms belongs principally to the church dedicated there in 1110. The age of the third and most important of these three cathedrals is still a matter of controversy, and one, I fear, that will not be settled without difticulty; for the church has been so frequently damaged by fire and war, and lately by ill-judged restora- tions, that it is not easy to ascertain what portions of it are old and what new. Still I cannot help feeling convinced that the plan, and VOL. II. — 2