In making the choice of these subjects this point was kept in mind, and
they are not offered as material which can be cut out in portions of the
size and shape desired and transferred bodily by the designer to
embellish a modern masterpiece, in the manner in which the Gothic
architects of Venice used their patterns of window tracery. These plates
show certain qualities in decorative design in their fullest and best
development, and are on this account invaluable as suggestions to
designers of the present day. For "cribbing material" they do not stand
for much; but this should not be counted as against their usefulness,
for the draughtsman who has not advanced beyond the "cribbing" stage has
much still to learn before he can do the best and most satisfactory
work.


IX. and X.

PRINCIPAL DOORWAY TO THE CATHEDRAL AT TRANI, ITALY.

The cathedral at Trani dates from about the middle of the twelfth
century. Its main features have been indicated above in describing the
general characteristics of the class of churches to which it belongs.
The bronze doors shown in the illustration were made in 1160, and are
exceptionally fine examples of the work of this period.


XI.

PRINCIPAL DOORWAY TO THE CATHEDRAL AT CONVERSANO, ITALY.

Doorways of this general design are so familiar in the so-called