[M.17L]                                                               [M.17]	Monza Duomo.	17
                                                                      
                                                                      		The pediment has been planned for six pinnacles: three on each
                                                                      		side.  of these however only the eastern one is finished, and it is
                                                                      		somewhat wiry & poor:  the others are only half built, supported
                                                                      		on the delicate cornice shafts:  and have been covered for
                                                                      		protection with flattish lead roofs. [diagram]: They hardly
                                                                      		interrupt the line of the pediments, and leave it more grand
                                                                      		and precious than if it had spikes as in Milan. 
                                                                      Porches		The gem of the facade is however its porch, of which the
                                                                       		general idea is at p 42 l. 1.  it unites in the most graceful
                                                                      		way apparently discordant elements:  Round arches, rich
                                                                      		foliation - pointed gables enclosing circles of most rich & strange
                                                                      		tracery above, and classical mouldings of exquisite delicacy
                                                                      		.The doorway is a most superb round arch, its tympanum
                                                                      		filled by a very quaint, sharp, delicate & flat basrelief, which
                                                                      		gives double force to its magnificent encircling moulding
                                                                      		- the doorway itself quite square:  but with figures supporting
                                                                      		angles as at Amiens:  the plan of jamb at 1 p 41
                                                                      		b being the outermost shaft, (which bears the spring
                                                                      		of porch) b in fig 1 42 l.  it is longer than either of the nook
                                                                      		shafts.  The beadings of the angles all different;  two drawn
                                                                      		large at the side, the inner one, a at 2 42 l when a1 is
                                                                      		the inside of the wall of the door.  in its true place & proportion
                                                                      		These beadings are all most beautiful in effect, the flow of

[Version 0.05: May 2008]