General Rules of Architecture

A large woodcut illustration depicts a monumental rusticated archway or portal. The architecture features rustic work masonry. The stone blocks are finished with deep horizontal grooves and a rough texture. The semicircular arch consists of these same blocks and features a prominent, protruding keystone at its center. Two massive square piers of identical rusticated stone support the arch. Above the arch sits a simple entablature consisting of several layers of rectangular blocks. The image depicts the structure as slightly weathered or antique. Cracks are visible in the stones. Small plants or weeds grow from the crevices at the top and on the shoulders of the piers. The central opening of the arch is empty. A thin black border contains the entire woodcut.

Technical terms illustrated in this plate: architecture, rustic work, rusticated stone, keystone, portal, Serlio, architectural order.

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