Misereres may be considered the most important and instructive of ornaments. Being generally designs independent of the objects on which they are placed, they lose conventionality, and are therefore nearer to strict portraiture and truth. Being also, concealed from vulgar gaze, --enwrapped in minster gloom, --their authors were unconstrained by motives of prudence or delicacy; satire being prominent features in carvings of this class. - [Author]

Language: English