The Art of Architecture: A Poem in Imitation of Horace's Art of Poetry

"The Art of Architecture: A Poem in Imitation of Horace's Art of Poetry" by John Gwynn is a critical poem from the early 1700s that examines the world of buildings, designs and structure. Crafted during a shift in artistic tastes, the author uses a passionate tone, drawing inspiration from classical ideas using poetic form, to show how to follow the rules to make beautiful architecture. The author looks closely at architectural aesthetics, calling for guidelines in structure and design and using Horace's poetry ideas to establish these rules. The poem also critiques different architectural styles, advocating for a balance between the old and new, to show how architects can match their creations with nature and society, showing the importance of following the rules as art changes.