though, as we have seen, insecurely, except for so long as the binding chains can be made to save it from collapse. Wren would not build a dome in this inherently weak manner. He preferred to design his masonry construction on sound principles, which would not allow an external dome, and to enclose this within the wooden counterfeit. And it may here be remarked that most modern domes, modelled after St. Peter's and St. Paul's, are wooden constructions and carry lanterns of wood. They are thus entirely safe, but they have not the monumental character of great architectural works. In general external effect the dome of St. Paul's has much merit, if it does not justify the extravagant remark of Mr. Loftie that it is the "noblest dome in Christendom."[1]
Fig. 137.—Vaulting of St. Paul's.
The proportions of the interior of the church (Plate XII) are admirable, and give a better effect of scale than the larger scheme of St. Peter's. But the details exhibit more of those aberrations that are inherent in the architecture of the Renaissance. The vaulting of the nave (Fig. 137) is in oblong compartments with their long axes running transversely, and the small domes, which are low spherical segments instead of hemispheres, therefore leave considerable
- ↑ W. J. Loftie, Inigo Jones and Sir Christopher Wren, London, Macmillan & Co., 1893, p. 196.
