<A>
Aeschylus (Prometheus Bound: *
Prometheus is in a dialogue with the chorus. He insists that he is responsible for all the arts of humanity. The Chorus suggests that he has helped humanity too much without thinking of himself, but he replies that his suffering is necessary, and he must bow to necessity like everyone else including Zeus.
Chorus.
Give mortals no unseasonable help,
Neglecting thine own sorrow; since, for me,
I have hope to see thee break these fetters still,
And stand up strong as Zeus.
Prometheus.
This ends not thus,
The oracular Fate ordains. I must be bowed
By infinite woes and pangs, to escape this chain.
Necessity is stronger than mine art.
Chorus.
Who holds the helm of that Necessity?
Prometheus.
The threefold Fates and the unforgetting Furies.
Chorus.
Is Zeus less absolute than these are?
Prometheus.
Yes,
And therefore cannot fly what is ordained.
Chorus.
What is ordained for Zeus, except to be
A king for ever?
Prometheus.
'Tis too early yet
For thee to learn it: ask no more.
<B>
Brunelleschi (Pazzi chapel,Florence): *
Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, located in the "first cloister, one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture. Andrea Pazzi, head of the Pazzi family funded the project in 1429, but work did not begin until 1442. The chapel was competed 1443. It was the cathedral chapter house (meeting room for the governing chapter) & used as a classroom for the teaching of monks & other religious purposes. Pazzi wished to make his mark on Florence, to emphasised their wealth and power.
The plan is based on simple geometrical forms, the square and the circle; a facade was started but only the lower register can be seen, as it is partially obscured by the addition of a porch. The main inspiration for this piece was the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria Novella, also located in Florence.
<C>
Vignola (facade of the Gesu): *
The facade is divided into 2 sections. The lower section is divided by 6 pairs of pilasters with Corinthian capitals; the upper section is divided with 4 pairs of pilasters. The upper section is joined to the lower section by a volute on each side. The main door stands under a curvilinear tympanum, while the 2 side doors are under a triangular tympanum. Above the main door one can see a shield with the letters IHS representing the Christogram. The facade also shows the papal coat of arms and a shield with the initials SPQR, tying this church closely to the people of Rome.
see illustration below
