VICTORIAN ERA SPECTACULAR
GENEROSITY
"REDUNDANCE; THE UNCALCULATING BESTOWAL OF THE WEALTH OF ITS LABOUR...ACCUMULATION OF ORNAMENT...COMPLEXITY...A PROFOUND SYMPATHY WITH THE FULLNESS AND WEALTH OF THE MATERIAL UNIVERSE...SEEING HER PERFECT AND EXQUISITE CREATIONS POURED FORTH IN A PROFUSION WHICH CONCEPTION COULD NOT GRASP NOR CALCULATION SUM."
- Ruskin
The stained glass
window above is not a part of the Courthouse decor but it is a
fine example of the "accumulation of ornament."
Victorian structures that incorporate images of the Gothic, often
times are decorated with windows similar to the above. Although
there is no apparent function or need for these windows, the
"fullness and wealth" of the design adds to the beauty.
The windows on the 
Courthouse are not stained like the
above, but instead are a myriad of glass that envelops the
structure. Further examples of this buildings redundant
"ornaments" are shown at left in the checkered pattern
that encircles the building. The spires, numerous poles or
columns, and the arches, all contribute to the
"redundance" and become the "exquisite creations
[that are] poured forth in profusion." The Courthouse serves
as a perfect example of Ruskin's idea of "genorisity"
as a key element in the creation of a Gothic building. Every
unique and decorative object on this building has been repeated
throughout and around the structure. This characteristic gives
rise to the intense Gothic nature the Courthouse has always
possessed.
All quotes are taken from author John Ruskin's "The Stones of Venice." (1853)