The Seven Lamps of Architecture

The book explores the evolution of drapery in sculpture, highlighting its roles in expressing motion and gravity. It contrasts Greek and Christian approaches, noting that while the Greeks used drapery to enhance the depiction of action, Christian sculptors initially viewed it merely as a veil. Over time, they recognized its potential for conveying a sense of repose, with heavy, flowing fabrics symbolizing serenity and spiritual weight. The analysis delves into how drapery reflects broader artistic values and the cultural shifts in representation from antiquity to the medieval period.