Architecture is another way to tell stories and shed light on numerous historical events and cultural peculiarities of the nation. Clearly, architects often find inspiration in works of other artists, those who created masterpieces in previous epochs. This is the case with the Pazzi Chapel located in the heart of Italy, Florence. It is obvious that Filippo Brunelleschi was inspired by one of the most majestic architectural masterpieces, Parthenon, located in Greece. The two temples have many features in common, as they both have an altar, they both occupy a place within a city and they are both based on the principle of mathematical perfection. At the same time, the two temples differ in their major use, in the type of people who attended them and in their meanings.
As far as similarities are concerned, it is possible to stress that the two buildings are both characterized by mathematical perfection (see fig. 1). Parthenon has a rectangular form that is emphasized by the use of columns (Hurwit 18). The use of space is remarkable as the temple is very airy and people feel the glory of deities in it. The Pazzi Chapel also has a rectangular form adorned with columns (Kleiner 442). Notably, the use of the massive dome could create a feeling of round spaces but it only stresses the perfect geometrical forms chosen by the architect. Of course, the use of space also aims at creating the specific atmosphere in the temple. The geometrical perfection is also emphasized by the use of altars on axis with the front doors of both temples. It is also important to add that both temples have quite a specific location as they are surrounded by other buildings. The temples are integrated into the urban setting, which is quite common for religious sites. Each of the temples is situated on the hill. This stresses the grandeur of the temples.
However, the two temples are quite different. For instance, they were used differently. The Pazzi Chapel was used for educational purposes. Higher ranks of clergy and nobility also gathered there (Kleiner 442). Apart from that, there was also a place to bury the richest representatives of the city. When it comes to the Parthenon, this was a sanctuary of the goddess Athena, but, more importantly, it was used as a treasury (Hurwit 32). Of course, different people attended the two temples. The Pazzi Chapel was predominantly attended by nobility and priests, while the Parthenon was visited by priests. Finally, the two temples had quite different meanings. The Pazzi Chapel was to reveal the might of the city and its richest families while the Parthenon was a symbol of the victory of the Greek (civilized) nation over barbarians. Thus, in the former case, wealth was glorified, while the glory of civilization was emphasized in the latter case.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that the Pazzi Chapel is based on the same principle as the architecture of Parthenon is. This suggests that Filippo Brunelleschi found inspiration in the Greek architecture. Of course, the temples were constructed in different epochs and, hence, they differed significantly in their use and meanings. However, it is possible to note that the two architectural masterpieces have the same meaning at present, as they are people’s cultural heritage.
Works Cited
Hurwit, Jeffrey M. “Space and Theme: The Setting of the Parthenon.” The Parthenon: From Antiquity to the Present. Ed. Jenifer Neils. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2005. 9-35. Print.
Kleiner, Fred. Gardener’s Art through the Ages: The Western Perspective. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2009. Print.