ABSTRACT
Early in the fifteenth century, the genius of classic literature awoke from the long slumber of “the dark ages.” Classic Art was once more seated upon her ancient throne, and northern taste was soon reduced into complete subjection to her imperial sceptre. While the Florid Gothic was carried to luxuriant extravagance in England, the ancient Roman Architecture began to be studied by men of genius in Italy. Fellippo Brunileschi, a Florentine, of an ardent temperament and much original genius, is said to have been delighted with the remains of ancient buildings at Rome. The Grecian orders of architecture are mingled in St. Paul’s. The principal columns on the exterior are Corinthian; then there are composite columns and pilasters. St. Paul’s is decidedly an imitation of St. Peter’s, and it is considered a successful one, producing upon the beholder the emotion of beauty and sublimity.
