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Of the Tuscan Order.

proportions, and destroys the simplicity of the whole composition. There are few exam-ples of these Bandages in the remains of Antiquity; and, in general, it will be advisableto avoid them in all large compositions; reserving the rustic work for the intercolumnia-tions, where it may be employed with great propriety, to produce an opposition, whichwill render the aspect: of the whole distinct and striking. But in smaller works, whoseparts are few, and therefore easily comprehended, they may be sometimes tolerated. LeClerc thinks they are proper for gates of Citadels and Prisons, whose entrance shouldbe dreadful; and they are likewise fit for gates of Gardens or Parks, Grottos, Fountains,and Baths, where elegance ol form, and neatness of workmanship, would be out ofcharacter. De l’Orme, who was exceeding fond of these Cinctures, hath employedthem in several parts of the Thuilleries, covered with Arms, Cyphers, and other en-richments. This is quite absurd; for they can never be considered in any other light,than as parts which, to avoid expence and trouble, were left unfinished. We likewisefind, in different parts of the Lonvre, vermiculated rustics of which the tracks repre-sent flower de luces, and other regular figures: a practice more unnatural than the former;though Monsieur Daviler gravely tells us that it should always be done with propriety,and express a relation to the owner of the Structure; that is, the figures should representhis Arms, Crest, Mottos, Cyphers, &c.

I have in the plate of Pediments given several Designs of rusticated Columns, whichare collected from buildings of note in different parts: and for the manner of executingthem, as it cannot well be described, I refer to the Doric entrance of the King’s stable atCharing-Crofs, the gate of Burlington-Houfe in Piccadilly, and that of Queensbury-Houfe in Burlington-garden: in all which places the different sorts of rustic work aremanaged with judgement, and command of the chizel.

Monsieur de Chambray, in the Introduction to his Parallel, treats the TuscanOrder with great contempt, and banishes it to the Country, as unworthy of a placeeither in Temples or Palaces: but in the latter part of his work he is more indulgent,and takes the Column again into favour, comparing it to a Queen seated on her throne,and distributing honours to her minions.

I shall not here dispute the justness of Mr. de Chambray’s remarks; but I will ven-ture to affirm that not only the Tuscan Column, but the whole Order, as representedin the annexed Design, (which being in fact the production of Vignola and Scamozzi, Imay praise without the imputation of vanity), is extremely beautiful, and for its purposesinferiour to none of the rest.

The Tuscan Order, carrying with it an idea of strength and rustic simplicity, is veryproper for rural uses, and may be employed in Farm houses, Stables, Maneges, andDog-Kennels, Green-houses, Grottos, Fountains, gates of Parks and Gardens, and, ingeneral, in all places where magnificence is not required, and expence is to be avoided.Serlio recommends the use of it in Prisons, Arsenals, Treasuries, Sea-ports, and gatesof fortified places; and Le Clerc observes, that though the Tuscan Order, as treatedby Vitruvius, Palladio, and some others, ought to be entirely rejected, yet accordingto the composition of Vignola, there is a beauty in its simplicity, which recommendsit to esteem, and entitles / it to a place both in private and public buildings, evenin Royal Palaces, to adorn the lower Apartments, Offices, Stables, and other places that

require