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iv. st. mark's. 85
size itself diminishes, as in the case of all other jewellery, it is
evident that we must not in general expect perfect symmetry
and equality among the series of shafts, any more than definite-
ness of application; but that, on the contrary, an accurately
observed symmetry ought to give us a kind of pain, as proving
that considerable and useless loss has been sustained by some of
the shafts, in being cut down to match with the rest. It is
true that symmetry is generally sought for in works of smaller
jewellery; but, even there, not a perfect symmetry, and obtained under circumstances quite different from those which
affect the placing of shafts in architecture. First: the symmetry is usually imperfect. The stones that seem to match each
other in a ring or necklace, appear to do so only because they
are so small that their differences are not easily measured by
the eye; but there is almost always such difference between
them as would be strikingly apparent if it existed in the same
proportion between two shafts nine or ten feet in height.
Secondly: the quantity of stones which pass through a jeweller's hands, and the facility of exchange of such small objects,
enable the tradesman to select any number of stones of approximate size; a selection, however, often requiring so much
time, that perfect symmetry in a group of very fine stones adds
enormously to their value. But the architect has neither the
time nor the facilities of exchange. He cannot lay aside one
column in a corner of his church till, in the course of traffic,
he obtain another that will match it; he has not hundreds of
shafts fastened up in bundles, out of which he can match sizes
at his ease; he cannot send to a brother-tradesman and exchange the useless stones for available ones, to the convenience
of both. His blocks of stone, or his ready hewn shafts, have
been brought to him in limited number, from immense distances ; no others are to be had; and for those which he does
not bring into use, there is no demand elsewhere. His only
means of obtaining symmetry will therefore be, in cutting
down the finer masses to equality with the inferior ones; and
this we ought not to desire him often to do. And therefore,
while sometimes in a Baldacchino, or an important chapel or
| Title | The stones of Venice - 2 |
| Creator | Ruskin, John |
| Publisher | J. Wiley |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Date | 1889 |
| Language | eng |
| Type | Books/Pamphlets |
| Title | 00000105 |
| Type | Books/Pamphlets |
| Transcript | iv. st. mark's. 85 size itself diminishes, as in the case of all other jewellery, it is evident that we must not in general expect perfect symmetry and equality among the series of shafts, any more than definite- ness of application; but that, on the contrary, an accurately observed symmetry ought to give us a kind of pain, as proving that considerable and useless loss has been sustained by some of the shafts, in being cut down to match with the rest. It is true that symmetry is generally sought for in works of smaller jewellery; but, even there, not a perfect symmetry, and obtained under circumstances quite different from those which affect the placing of shafts in architecture. First: the symmetry is usually imperfect. The stones that seem to match each other in a ring or necklace, appear to do so only because they are so small that their differences are not easily measured by the eye; but there is almost always such difference between them as would be strikingly apparent if it existed in the same proportion between two shafts nine or ten feet in height. Secondly: the quantity of stones which pass through a jeweller's hands, and the facility of exchange of such small objects, enable the tradesman to select any number of stones of approximate size; a selection, however, often requiring so much time, that perfect symmetry in a group of very fine stones adds enormously to their value. But the architect has neither the time nor the facilities of exchange. He cannot lay aside one column in a corner of his church till, in the course of traffic, he obtain another that will match it; he has not hundreds of shafts fastened up in bundles, out of which he can match sizes at his ease; he cannot send to a brother-tradesman and exchange the useless stones for available ones, to the convenience of both. His blocks of stone, or his ready hewn shafts, have been brought to him in limited number, from immense distances ; no others are to be had; and for those which he does not bring into use, there is no demand elsewhere. His only means of obtaining symmetry will therefore be, in cutting down the finer masses to equality with the inferior ones; and this we ought not to desire him often to do. And therefore, while sometimes in a Baldacchino, or an important chapel or |
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