Of the great Pompey, Plutarch says that in the city of Mitylene
he drew with a style the plan and shape of the theatre, in order to have
it afterwards built in Rome, which he did.
"And although, owing to its great effects and beauties, noble painting
merits all veneration without seeking praise from other virtues, beside
those proper to it, I still wished to show here, before one who knows it,
by what sort of men it was esteemed. And if by chance, at any time or in
any place, there should be found any one who, because of being highly
placed and great, refuses to esteem this art, let him know that others
still greater appreciated it greatly. Who can compare himself with
Alexander the Greek? Who will exceed the prowess of Caesar the Roman? Who
is of greater glory than Pompey? Who more a prince than Trajan? For these
Alexanders and Caesars not only dearly loved the divine painting, and paid
great prices for it, but with their own hands they occupied themselves
with it and touched it. Or who, out of bravery and presumption, will
despise it and be not rather very humble and very unworthy before
painting, before her severe and grave face?"
Thus it seemed that Lactancio was finishing, when the Marchioness
proceeded, saying:
"Or who will be the virtuous and serene man (if he despises it for its
sanctity) who will not show great reverence and adore the spiritual
contemplation and devotion of holy painting? I think that time would
sooner be lacking than material for the praises of this virtue.
Pages:
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300