VICTORIAN ERA SPECTACULARVICTORIAN ERA SPECTACULAR
Texas Victorian Architecture and John Ruskin
FEATURING:
The
Waxahachie Courthouse in Ellis County
Built in 1896, the Waxahachie Courthouse is a prime example of Victorian Architecture. Among one of the most photographed buildings in Texas, this Courthouse's intricate detail and vibrant coloring compliment the structure's gothic accents. Looking closely, you will notice the familiar Victorian pointed arches of the doors and windows. The triangular gables above the windows also add to this mid-nineteenth century style. The Courthouse is topped off by a pointed multi-level roof which rises "high above the walls" of the edifice (Ruskin). Subtle elements of Gothic decor give the Courthouse a character as described by author John Ruskin. In his writing, The Stones of Venice, Ruskin details six points of reference for identifying Gothic architecture. The following links will explain his six criterion, as well as show examples of the gothic nature of the Victorian Waxahachie Courthouse.
"The withdrawal of any one, or any two, will not at once destroy the Gothic character of the building, but the removal of a majority of them will."
- John Ruskin
PAGE COMPILED BY LISA WAYNE; STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
All quotes are taken from author John Ruskin's "The Stones of Venice." (1853)
All Victorian pictures were found through the following link:
http://www.marvelcreations.com/victorian.html
All Waxahachie Courthouse photos were found at the following link: