...that Figure so impressd it self upon my Mind that I…
““...that Figure so impressd it self upon my Mind that I have been in a manner walking towards it all my Life. Then I peered into Wendel Dietterlin his Architectura, and there were unveiled to me the several Orders: of the Tuscan, which is now mine own, I was then mov'd by its Strangeness and Awefulness; the obscured Shapes, the Shaddowes and the massie Openings so in-chanted my Spirit that when looking on them I imagined my self to be lock'd in some dark and Enclosed space. The heavinesse of Stone did so oppress me that I was close to Extinction, and I fancied that I could see in the Engraver's lines the sides of Demons, crumbled Walls, and half-humane Creatures rising from the Dust. There was some thing that waited for me there, already in Ruines.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator is overwhelmed by the awe‑inspiring, mysterious architecture of Wendel Dietterlin, evoking feelings of darkness, oppression, and ancient ruin.
In simple terms: He feels awe and dread before strange architecture.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the mystery and power of architecture.
Themes
architecture
awe
darkness
history
imagination
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Museum visits
- architectural study
- creative writing
Key Concepts
art history
psychology
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions does architecture evoke in you?
- How does history shape perception of space?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations may vary; personal fear can limit appreciation.