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"Galleries of the west front of the Cathedral of Amiens, 13th century, illustrating treatment of galleries as a decorative feature." -Whitney, 1911

Galleries of Cathedral of Amiens

"Galleries of the west front of the Cathedral of Amiens, 13th century, illustrating treatment of galleries…

An illustration of a small chapel surrounded by woods.

Chapel

An illustration of a small chapel surrounded by woods.

Edward Winslow (1595 – 1655) was an American Pilgrim leader on the Mayflower. He served as the governor of Plymouth Colony in 1633, 1636, and finally in 1644. He was born in Droitwich, Worcestershire, England, on October 18, 1595. In 1617 he removed to Leiden, united with John Robinson's church there, and in 1620 was one of the "pilgrims" who emigrated to New England on the Mayflower and founded the Plymouth colony.

Edward Winslow

Edward Winslow (1595 – 1655) was an American Pilgrim leader on the Mayflower. He served as the governor…

The Cathedral of Cologne is renowned as a monument of Christianity and of Gothic architecture. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Because of its enormous twin spires, it also presents the largest façade of any church in the world. The famous tomb of the Magi is contained within its walls. Three copper lamps, always burning, bear the names of the three kings, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.

Cathedral of Cologne

The Cathedral of Cologne is renowned as a monument of Christianity and of Gothic architecture. It is…

The old Byzantine church, St. Martin's Church was the beloved church of the poor. It stood by the Cathedral of Cologne and represented the old Catholic city of the Rhine.

St. Martin's Church

The old Byzantine church, St. Martin's Church was the beloved church of the poor. It stood by the Cathedral…

Street scene in Strasburg with public square in the foreground and a church spire in the background.

Street Scene in the City of Strasburg

Street scene in Strasburg with public square in the foreground and a church spire in the background.

View of a village in the Schwartzwald, or Black Forest. The Black Forest stands in the elbow formed by the Rhine river in its course from Schaffhausen to Basle, and from Basle to Mannheim. It is bounded by the plain that borders the river The Neckar River bounds it on the north, while on the east it is limited by the upper part of the same river, and by an imaginary line drawn from the source of the Neckar to Schaffhausen. The Black Forest owes its gloomy name to the dark aspect of its peaks and slopes which is shadowed by pine-trees. On the brightest day the forest's trees still retain their shadow.

Black Forest Village

View of a village in the Schwartzwald, or Black Forest. The Black Forest stands in the elbow formed…

A church of both Roman and Gothic architectural design. From the wall of the presbytery and extending the height of the first story, is an octagonal projection known as The Choir of St Sebald.

Choir of the Church of St. Sebald

A church of both Roman and Gothic architectural design. From the wall of the presbytery and extending…

St. Sebald is a church of both Roman and Gothic architectural design. On the northern side is the Bride's Door, a work attributed to the fifteenth century. The beauty and the design of this doorway delights us with its various carvings.

Bride's Door at Church of St. Sebald

St. Sebald is a church of both Roman and Gothic architectural design. On the northern side is the Bride's…

The collegiate church of St. Peter was built in the Romanesque style in the twelfth century. The burial ground of St. Peter is situated directly south of the church and is the most ancient place of sepulture in Salzburg. In this view, we see the churchyard, situated at the base of an overhanging rock, from which hangs rich and luxurious foliage; before us, in the open space, are monuments in every style of mortuary design, while cowled monks kneel before the ancient symbol of Christianity, or converse together within this sacred enclosure.

Peter's Churchyard in Salzburg

The collegiate church of St. Peter was built in the Romanesque style in the twelfth century. The burial…

The Abbey of Mölk (Melk) (Stift Melk), an old Austrian Benedictine monastery is one of the richest religious establishments in Central Europe. Palace, church, and fortress all in one, it sits high upon a granite base 100 feet above the Danube. Founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks from Lambach Abbey. A school was founded in the 12th Century. The monastery was also a major site for the production of manuscripts. Today's impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 by architect Jakob Prandtauer. Particularly noteworthy is the abbey church with frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts.

Abby of Mölk

The Abbey of Mölk (Melk) (Stift Melk), an old Austrian Benedictine monastery is one of the richest…

The Cathedral of St. Stephen, also called Stephansdom, stands in the heart of old Vienna. The Cathedral is considered a work of Gothic art, and boosts of a beautiful carved pulpit. So that the local language sermon could be better heard by the worshipers before microphones and loud speakers, the pulpit stands against a pillar out in the nave, instead of in the chancel at the front of the church.

St. Stephen's Cathedral Pulpit

The Cathedral of St. Stephen, also called Stephansdom, stands in the heart of old Vienna. The Cathedral…

The Karlskirche (German for St. Charles's Church) is a church situated on the south side of Karlsplatz, Vienna. It is one of the most outstanding baroque church structures north of the Alps, and boasts a dome in the form of an elongated ellipsoid. Construction began in 1716 an was completed in 1737.

Church at St. Charles Borromeo, Vienna

The Karlskirche (German for St. Charles's Church) is a church situated on the south side of Karlsplatz,…

A church of the Gothic style (1208-1209) with an interior rich in beauty. The whole town and even the church was the scene of horror when destroyed by the Turks in 1683

Church of Perchtholdsdorf

A church of the Gothic style (1208-1209) with an interior rich in beauty. The whole town and even the…

The Shiloh Church is an important landmark during the Civil War during the Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing fought on April 6 and April 7, 1862.

Shiloh Church at Battle of Shiloh

The Shiloh Church is an important landmark during the Civil War during the Battle of Shiloh, also known…

A sculpture of John Wycliffe, an English theologian, lay preacher, translator and reformist. Wycliffe was an early dissident in the Roman Catholic Church during the 14th century. His followers are known as Lollards, a somewhat rebellious movement which preached a legalistic Gospel. He is considered the founder of the Lollard movement, a precursor to the Protestant Reformation (for this reason, he is sometimes called "The Morning Star of the Reformation"). He was one of the earliest opponents of papal authority influencing secular power.

Sculpture of John Wycliffe

A sculpture of John Wycliffe, an English theologian, lay preacher, translator and reformist. Wycliffe…

Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu (9 September 1585 – 4 December 1642), was a French clergyman, noble, and statesman. Consecrated as a bishop in 1608, he later entered politics, becoming a Secretary of State in 1616. Richelieu soon rose in both the Church and the state, becoming a cardinal in 1622, and King Louis XIII's chief minister in 1624. He remained in office until his death in 1642; he was succeeded by Jules Cardinal Mazarin.

Cardinal Richelieu

Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu (9 September 1585 – 4 December…

"MITRE. A sacerdotal ornament for the head, worn by Roman Catholic archbishops and bishops on solemn occasions. " -Hall, 1862

Mitre

"MITRE. A sacerdotal ornament for the head, worn by Roman Catholic archbishops and bishops on solemn…

"Mitre. A sacerdotal ornament for the head, worn by Roman Catholic archbishops and bishops on solemn occasions." -Hall, 1862

Mitre

"Mitre. A sacerdotal ornament for the head, worn by Roman Catholic archbishops and bishops on solemn…

"MOUND. A globe encircled with a band and surmounted with a cross; it is an ensign of royalty, signifying dominion." -Hall, 1862

Mound

"MOUND. A globe encircled with a band and surmounted with a cross; it is an ensign of royalty, signifying…

The Lincoln Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln) is a geometric style Gothic cathedral in Canterbury, England.

Lincoln Cathedral

The Lincoln Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln) is a geometric style…

This is an engraved portrait of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, Germany. He was a cardinal priest of the Holy Roman Church. This portrait was created by German artist Albrecht Dürer.

Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg

This is an engraved portrait of Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, Germany. He was a cardinal priest…

"Grille. San Giacomo de Rialto, Venice. GRILLE. A piece of openwork or grating, usually of metal, as wrought-iron." -Whitney, 1911

Grille

"Grille. San Giacomo de Rialto, Venice. GRILLE. A piece of openwork or grating, usually of metal, as…

Reynard the Fox tricking Kyward the hare into believing he could teach him how to be a good priest. But the fox wanted to eat the hare until Panther caught him.

Reynard the Fox: Tricking the Hare

Reynard the Fox tricking Kyward the hare into believing he could teach him how to be a good priest.…

The baptismal font is used to baptize children an adults. It is a type of church furniture in a circular shape with a pedestal base.

Baptismal Font

The baptismal font is used to baptize children an adults. It is a type of church furniture in a circular…

This church door is designed with wrought iron work.

Church Door

This church door is designed with wrought iron work.

This stained glass window depicts St. Michael (archangel) casting out the great red dragon. Stained glass is typically found on church windows for decorative purposes.

Stained Glass Window

This stained glass window depicts St. Michael (archangel) casting out the great red dragon. Stained…

This baptismal font is made out of terracotta in a Gothic style. It is used during a baptismal ceremony in the Christian religion.

Baptismal Font

This baptismal font is made out of terracotta in a Gothic style. It is used during a baptismal ceremony…

Used in most religions to collect money for the religious center or the poor. This alms basin is used in a church and is made out of wood.

Alms Basin

Used in most religions to collect money for the religious center or the poor. This alms basin is used…

Used in most religions to collect money for the religious center or the poor. This alms basin is used in a church and is made out of wood.

Alms Basin

Used in most religions to collect money for the religious center or the poor. This alms basin is used…

This prayer desk is used for private prayer. It is more prevalent in European churches.

Prayer Desk

This prayer desk is used for private prayer. It is more prevalent in European churches.

This Cathedral door is made out of bronze and found in the cathedral of Russia.

Cathedral Door

This Cathedral door is made out of bronze and found in the cathedral of Russia.

The baptismal font is type of large basin used to perform the baptism ceremony, which is the act of using water to admit a person into the Christian Church.

Baptismal Font

The baptismal font is type of large basin used to perform the baptism ceremony, which is the act of…

The altar cloth was embroidered by hand in gold and silk. It includes a drawing of a dove on the bottom. This cloth is used in a church setting.

Altar Cloth

The altar cloth was embroidered by hand in gold and silk. It includes a drawing of a dove on the bottom.…

The orphrey is an embroidered band worn by priests. This band is part of the archbishop's cape designed for the Anglican church.

Orphrey

The orphrey is an embroidered band worn by priests. This band is part of the archbishop's cape designed…

The magnificent book case was a gift from the Emperor of Austria to the Queen of England. It is carved in a Gothic style using oak wood. There are decorative spikes at the very top, similar to a church's roof.

Magnificent Book Case

The magnificent book case was a gift from the Emperor of Austria to the Queen of England. It is carved…

The monumental brass is a type of church monument that is made up of a brass wall tablet. This monument depicts a female figure with a grey hound at her feet, beneath a canopy of pointed architecture. It has numerous scenes along its border depicting the acts of a Good Samaritan such as charity, truth, peace and mercy.

Monumental Brass

The monumental brass is a type of church monument that is made up of a brass wall tablet. This monument…

This shelf is designed with a cross in the center and a kneeling angel on each side. It also has scrolls of leaves all around.

Shelf

This shelf is designed with a cross in the center and a kneeling angel on each side. It also has scrolls…

This stained glass window has an ecclesiastical decoration. It is designed in a Gothic style.

Stained Glass Window

This stained glass window has an ecclesiastical decoration. It is designed in a Gothic style.

The font is used in baptism rituals in Christian churches. This font is sculpted in stone, and elaborately decorated with a canopy that rises when the ceremony is performed.

Font

The font is used in baptism rituals in Christian churches. This font is sculpted in stone, and elaborately…

Jacques Coeur being publicly punished in France in 1453. "A part of the Amende Honorable of Jacques Coeur before Charles VII of France." -Bodmer, 1917

Amende Honorable of Jacques Coeur

Jacques Coeur being publicly punished in France in 1453. "A part of the Amende Honorable of Jacques…

A cathedral in a city in Panama, Central America.

Panama Cathedral

A cathedral in a city in Panama, Central America.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens or simply Amiens Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and seat of the Bishop of Amiens, Jean-Luc Marie Maurice Louis Bouilleret. The cathedral is the tallest complete cathedral in France, with the greatest interior volume (estimated at 200,000 m³). The vaults of the nave are 42.30 m high, the tallest nave vaults in any completed French cathedral, and surpassed only by the incomplete Beauvais Cathedral. This monumental cathedral is located in Amiens, the chief city of Picardy, in the Somme River valley a little over 100 kilometers north of Paris.

Amiens Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens or simply Amiens Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and seat…

This is a plan of the church of Kalb–Lauzeh (Qalb Lozeh), Syria. This is an example of Early Christian architecture.

Plan of Church of Kalb-Lauzeh, AD 380–609

This is a plan of the church of Kalb–Lauzeh (Qalb Lozeh), Syria. This is an example of Early Christian…

This is a plan of the church of San Ambrogio, Italy. This is an example of Italian Lombard Romanesque architecture. This church represents the "earliest [example] of the solution of the great problem which was exercising the minds of the church builders towards the end of the 11th century, the vaulting of the nave." The scale is in feet.

Plan of San Ambrogio, 1000–1200

This is a plan of the church of San Ambrogio, Italy. This is an example of Italian Lombard Romanesque…

This is a plan of the San Michele, Pavia, Italy. This is an example of Italian Lombard Romanesque architecture. This church represents the "earliest [example] of the solution of the great problem which was exercising the minds of the church builders towards the end of the 11th century, the vaulting of the nave." The scale is in feet.

Plan of San Michele, Pavia, 1000–1200

This is a plan of the San Michele, Pavia, Italy. This is an example of Italian Lombard Romanesque architecture.…

This is a plan of the St Mark's, in Venice, Italy. Erected AD 929 to 1063. This is an example of Italian Byzantine Romanesque architecture. This church was created in order to "reproduce in some way the leading features of the church of the Holy Apostles at Constantinople." The scale is in feet.

Plan of St Mark's, Venice, AD 929–1063

This is a plan of the St Mark's, in Venice, Italy. Erected AD 929 to 1063. This is an example of Italian…

This is the plan of the Campanile and Cathedral in Pisa, Italy. This is an example of Italian Central Romanesque architecture. Furthermore it is an example of a Pisan Church. The Campanile, or Leaning Tower was erected from 1174 to 1350. The Cathedral was erected in 1067 to 1250 and restored after a fire in 1596. The Baptistery of St. Jean was erected in 1153 to 13th Century AD. The Cemetery, Campo Santo, was erected in 1278 to 1465.

Plan of the Campanile de Pisa, 1068–1509

This is the plan of the Campanile and Cathedral in Pisa, Italy. This is an example of Italian Central…

This is the Plan of Cathedral at Aix–la–Chapelle in Aachen, Germany. It is an example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in Germany. It was built in AD 796. The scale is in feet. "With the exception of the church built at Trèves (There) by the empress Helena, of which small portions can still be traced in the cathedral, there are no remains of earlier date than the tomb–house built by Charlemagne at Aachen (Aix–la–Chapelle), which, though much restored in the 19th century, is still in good preservation. It consists [...] of an octagonal domed hall surrounded by aisles in two [stories], both vaulted; externally the structure is a polygon of sixteen sides, about 105 ft. in diameter, and it was preceded by a porch flanked by turrets."

Plan of Cathedral at Aix-la-Chapelle, AD 796

This is the Plan of Cathedral at Aix–la–Chapelle in Aachen, Germany. It is an example of…

This is a plan of the St Peter's at Rome. It is an example of Italian Renaissance architecture. The construction lasted from 1546 to 1564AD. "In 1505, on the advise of Michelangelo, Bramante was instructed to prepare designs for a new church in Rome dedicated to St Peter, to take the place of the early basilica, which, built in haste, began to show serious signs of failure [...] In 1546 Michelangelo, then seventy–two years of age, was entrusted with the continuance of the work, and he made radical changes, chiefly in the design of the dome. "

Plan of St Peter's at Rome, 1546–1564

This is a plan of the St Peter's at Rome. It is an example of Italian Renaissance architecture. The…

This is an illustration by artist Charles Robinson. It is found in novelist Robert Louis Stevenson's book "A Child's Garden of Verse". The drawing depicts a girl alone in what seems to be a church.

A Child's Garden of Verse

This is an illustration by artist Charles Robinson. It is found in novelist Robert Louis Stevenson's…

"More than one cause served to render the compositions of Palladio so celebrated. He possessed an especial felicity in the arrangement of his ground-plans, particularly in instances where he had an unlimited space for disposal. His command, moreover, of good proportion , rendered his combinations of civic and sacred buildings most pleasing to the eye; whilst the columnar arrangement of his entrances conveyed an agreeable, and at the same time, dignified impression. Consequently the works of Palladio, although often composed of heterogeneous elements, remained for a long period the model for an entire style; and even in the eighteenth century, when the total deterioration of architecture, as exemplified in what is called by the Germans "the Zopf-und-Perrücken Styl" (pigtail and periwig style), led architects again in the direction of the classical, the designs of Palladio became anew a subject of study. Even in present day they are often immoderately praised by those who are not really conversant with the principles and requirements of art, and who are ignorant of the history of the development of architecture."Il Redentore, more properly Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (Church of the Most Holy Redeemer), is Andrea Palladio's great domed church on Giudecca, one of the islands of Venice. Located on the waterfront of the Canale della Giudecca, it dominates the skyline of the island.The Redentore was built in thanksgiving for deliverance from the plague that decimated Venice from 1575 to 1576, in which some 46,000 people, 25-30 percent of the population, died. The Senate commissioned the great architect Palladio to design it. Construction began in May 1577. The building was in a satisfactory stage and was consecrated in 1592.

St. Saviour's, Venice

"More than one cause served to render the compositions of Palladio so celebrated. He possessed an especial…

"The most noteworthy of the successors of Palladio at Venice were Scamozzi, and Longhena, the architect of the Della Salute church. Some of the churches of this style retain the Byzantine system of the Greek cross with barrel-vaultings and a central dome resting on four pillars or piers. Others, again, have the form of the basilica but with a system of their own, which produces a beautiful effect. This system consists of smaller domes in the aisles, all resting on pierces masses of masonry with barrel-vaultings connected with them, as, for instance San Salvador." The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica of St Mary of Health/Salvation), commonly known simply as the Salute, is a famous church in Venice, placed scenically at a narrow finger of land which lies between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco on the lagoon, visible as one enters the Piazza San Marco from the water. While it has the status of a minor basilica, its decorative and distinctive profile and location make it among the most photographed churches in Italy.

Della Salute Church and Custom House

"The most noteworthy of the successors of Palladio at Venice were Scamozzi, and Longhena, the architect…

"The most remarkable productions of Bramante at Rome are the Cancelleria Palace, with the Church of San Lorenzo in Damaso contained within its precincts, the Giraud Palace, now the Torlonia, and the Court of the Vatican, with the celebrated Loggie, decorated by Raphael." The Giraud Palace, known today as the Palazzo Castellesi Giraud Torlonia, was built in the 16th century for Cardinal Adriano Cestellesi. The palace was later owned by Giraud and finally by Torlonia.

Giraud Palace at Rome

"The most remarkable productions of Bramante at Rome are the Cancelleria Palace, with the Church of…

"Michel-Angelo assumed such considerable and prominent position by his genius and authority, that his example necessarily entailed imitation and produced effects on subsequent times. When his deviations were moderate, they were considered by his imitators merely as marks of the originality of his wonderful talent, and by this means proved stepping-stones to the degeneration which marked the ensuing period of the Roccoco style. Amongst his architectural works, the design of the Capitol at Rome, with its wings, may be considered as the most pleasing, whilst as a testimony to his lofty genius the mighty and glorious dome of St. Peter's at Rome, which has no rival in the world, must be adducted as a striking instance. This dome was only completed after Michel-Angelo's death. Both as regards its colossal dimensions, as well as its beautiful proportions and lines, it produces, both internally and externally, a most wonderful impression. It should be remarkable that Michel-Angelo, like Bramante before him, selected the form of the Greek cross for his church, and planned the dome accordingly, and that the nave, which is by Carlo Maderno, is, both externally and internally, prejudicial to the effect of the dome."The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter (Latin: Basilica Sancti Petri), officially known in Italian as the Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano and commonly known as St. Peter's Basilica, is located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites and has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom". In Catholic tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession.

Back View of St. Peter's, Rome

"Michel-Angelo assumed such considerable and prominent position by his genius and authority, that his…

"Michel-Angelo assumed such considerable and prominent position by his genius and authority, that his example necessarily entailed imitation and produced effects on subsequent times. When his deviations were moderate, they were considered by his imitators merely as marks of the originality of his wonderful talent, and by this means proved stepping-stones to the degeneration which marked the ensuing period of the Roccoco style. Amongst his architectural works, the design of the Capitol at Rome, with its wings, may be considered as the most pleasing, whilst as a testimony to his lofty genius the mighty and glorious dome of St. Peter's at Rome, which has no rival in the world, must be adducted as a striking instance. This dome was only completed after Michel-Angelo's death. Both as regards its colossal dimensions, as well as its beautiful proportions and lines, it produces, both internally and externally, a most wonderful impression. It should be remarkable that Michel-Angelo, like Bramante before him, selected the form of the Greek cross for his church, and planned the dome accordingly, and that the nave, which is by Carlo Maderno, is, both externally and internally, prejudicial to the effect of the dome."The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter (Latin: Basilica Sancti Petri), officially known in Italian as the Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano and commonly known as St. Peter's Basilica, is located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites and has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom". In Catholic tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession.

Section of the Dome of St. Peter's, Rome

"Michel-Angelo assumed such considerable and prominent position by his genius and authority, that his…

"Michel-Angelo assumed such considerable and prominent position by his genius and authority, that his example necessarily entailed imitation and produced effects on subsequent times. When his deviations were moderate, they were considered by his imitators merely as marks of the originality of his wonderful talent, and by this means proved stepping-stones to the degeneration which marked the ensuing period of the Roccoco style. Amongst his architectural works, the design of the Capitol at Rome, with its wings, may be considered as the most pleasing, whilst as a testimony to his lofty genius the mighty and glorious dome of St. Peter's at Rome, which has no rival in the world, must be adducted as a striking instance. This dome was only completed after Michel-Angelo's death. Both as regards its colossal dimensions, as well as its beautiful proportions and lines, it produces, both internally and externally, a most wonderful impression. It should be remarkable that Michel-Angelo, like Bramante before him, selected the form of the Greek cross for his church, and planned the dome accordingly, and that the nave, which is by Carlo Maderno, is, both externally and internally, prejudicial to the effect of the dome." The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter (Latin: Basilica Sancti Petri), officially known in Italian as the Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano and commonly known as St. Peter's Basilica, is located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites and has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom". In Catholic tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, first Bishop of Rome and therefore first in the line of the papal succession.

Ground-plan of St. Peter's, Rome

"Michel-Angelo assumed such considerable and prominent position by his genius and authority, that his…

"The decoration of the interiors of the buildings of the Renaissance is also copied from ancient Roman architecture. The rooms are either vaulted or have flat ceilings, but in both cases are adorned with paintings after the manner of those discovered in the Baths of Titus, or by panel-work, that is, sunken coffers with a regularly distributed enrichment [shown here]. These panels are themselves often adorned with historical or allegorical paintings, or with arabesques. Ornamented panels were employed in large palaces for horizontal ceilings, as also in churches, though in the latter case they were more often applied to cupola vaulting, as notable in St. Peter's."

Interior View of St. Peter's at Rome

"The decoration of the interiors of the buildings of the Renaissance is also copied from ancient Roman…

Les Invalides in Paris, France, is a complex of buildings in the city's 7th arrondissement containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans. The buildings house the Musée de l'Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine, as well as the burial site for some of France's war heroes, notably Napoleon Bonaparte."The principal architectural activity of this period was displayed by Jules Hardouin Mansard, who was head architect to the king and the head of the influential school, as Lenôtre at the same time was principal horticulturist. Mansard built the palaces of Versailles (1647-1708, Marly, the Grand Trianon, as also the Invalides at Paris [shown here]."

Invalides at Paris

Les Invalides in Paris, France, is a complex of buildings in the city's 7th arrondissement containing…

The Panthéon (Latin Pantheon, from Greek Pantheon, meaning "Every god") is a building in the Latin Quarter in Paris, France. It was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, but after many changes now combines liturgical functions with its role as a famous burial place. It is an early example of Neoclassicism, with a façade modeled on the Pantheon in Rome, surmounted by a small dome that owes some of its character to Bramante's "Tempietto". Located in the 5th arrondissement on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, the Panthéon looks out over all of Paris. Its architect, Jacques-Germain Soufflot, had the intention of combining the lightness and brightness of the gothic cathedral with classical principles. Soufflot died before his work was achieved, and his plans were not entirely followed. The transparency he had planned for his masterpiece was not attained. Nevertheless, it is one of the most important architectural achievements of its time and the first great neoclassical monument."Toward the end of the reign of Louis XV. a reaction set in, which was caused partly by the excess and caprice displayed in the application of this style, and partly by the tide again setting in the direction of the antique. This evidence by the Colonnades de la Place de Concorde, and by the Church of Ste. Geneviève, which was begun by Soufflot in the year 1755, and subsequently received the name of Pantheon [shown here]. From thenceforth imitations of ancient buildings came into vogue, as they also did in other countries."

West Front of the Pantheon at Paris

The Panthéon (Latin Pantheon, from Greek Pantheon, meaning "Every god") is a building in the Latin…