• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: XXXVI. Account of some Remains of Gothic Architecture in Italy and Sicily, by Robert Smirke, Esq. jun. F.A.S. in a Letter to Samuel Lysons, Esq. Director
  • Contributor: Smirke, Robert
  • imprint: Cambridge University Press (CUP), 1806
  • Published in: Archaeologia
  • Language: English
  • DOI: 10.1017/s0261340900018531
  • ISSN: 0261-3409
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: <jats:p>In answer to your question, whether I had given any attention to Gothic architecture during my late continental tour, I have to say, although that style of art necessarily formed but a subordinate part in my system of foreign study, I could not avoid looking with much interest at every specimen of it which occurred in my route; not only from the pleasure of contemplating a species of art to which every Englishman, from early habits and its own intrinsic merit, must feel considerable attachment, but from a curiosity to see in what manner it had been treated by foreigners. The examples of this style in Germany are numerous and splendid; and though there are many in Italy, it may be remarked that they are generally in a more mixed and unformed character of design, a defect that may be ascribed to the aspect which the face of that country, different from all others, formerly presented with regard to more ancient architectural remains.</jats:p>