Let me remember this the next time I wonder what chance there is of persuading anyone to fund ambitious cultural projects of global reach. Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) dreamed, designed and delivered. The patrons and sponsors coughed up. Voilà .
This comment on his powers of persuasion was spotted at the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza which was the result. And was it worth the patrons’ money? Here’s a verdict on the inaugural performance.
Il Palladio persuase a questi signori academici che avendo a recitare comedie, tragedie e altri tali diletti edificassero all’antica usanza dei Greci e Romani un teatro.
Â
(Palladio persuaded these Academicians that having to stage comedies, tragedies and other such entertainments they should build a theater in the ancient Greek and Roman style.)
Source: Filippo Pigafetta in a letter, 4th March 1585, quoted at the Teatro Olimpico, Vicenza
0 Comments