"Arabesque is a style of ornamentation in which are represented men, animals (the latter consisting of mythic as well as actual forms); plants, with leaves, flowers and fruit; mathematical figures, etc.; the whole put together in a whimsical way, so that, for instance, the animals not merely rest upon the plants, but grow out of them like blossoms."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Arabesque Archway

"Arabesque is a style of ornamentation in which are represented men, animals (the latter consisting…

"Triumphal arches from a class apart among the monuments of Roman architecture. It was an early custom for victorious generals to make a triumphal entry into the city, during which were displayed the spoils of war in the shape of arms, temple vessels, jewels and more. Larger triumphal arches had a smaller passage on each side, besides the main entrance."

Arch of Constantine

"Triumphal arches from a class apart among the monuments of Roman architecture. It was an early custom…

In these Etruscan buildings traces are to be found of the arch; as, for instance, in the Gate of Volterra and other gates at Perugia; so also in the Cloacæ at Rome, of which the Cloaca Maxima is 20 feet broad. These are sewers which were intended to render the marshy district between the hills of Rome inhabitable. They were constructed in the reign of Tarquinius Superbus, at the beginning of the sixth century B.C.

The Cloaca Maxima at Rome

In these Etruscan buildings traces are to be found of the arch; as, for instance, in the Gate of Volterra…

"The Italian city of Volterra still preserves in the Porta dell' Arco an interesting relic of Ertuscan times. The archway, one of the original gates of the ancient town, is about twenty feet in height and twelve feet in width. On the keystone and imposts are three curious heads, probably representing the guardian deities of the place."—Webster, 1913

An Ertuscan Arch

"The Italian city of Volterra still preserves in the Porta dell' Arco an interesting relic of Ertuscan…

"An archway parallel to the picture. the sun's inclination 40° and elevation 30°." (Britannica, 1891)

Shadows of an Archway

"An archway parallel to the picture. the sun's inclination 40° and elevation 30°." (Britannica,…

Chinese structures have nothing durable about them, for perishable wood forms an essential element in their construction, and they were more remarkable for their elegance and slender proportions than for their vast dimensions. The roofs are especially characteristic, the most striking peculiarity being that they are always curved, and have figures on them in high relief, as well as at the corners, from which hang bells, and that they are decorated with all kinds of embellishments, such as gilt dragons, and other fantastic carvings.

Entrance-Gate to the Temple of Confucius at Shanghai

Chinese structures have nothing durable about them, for perishable wood forms an essential element in…