20010515.00 If I were writing your paper I would begin with a (short) description of an existing Greek revival structure in Belmont, Arlington, or anywhere in the greater Boston area. (I can find one for you if you wish.) I would go there and describe what I see, not only of the columns, identifying them as Doric, Ionian, Corinthian or hybrid, of the entablature, the roof, the windows, ... but also the trees, the sidewalk on which I stood, the people - on foot, in automobiles, on bicycles, with baby strollers - passing by and noticing, or not noticing. Next I would describe, as you have, the structure and function of such columns in ancient Greek temples, largely using text that you have already written. Then, if I had time and energy, I would try to formulate some comments about the aesthetics (art theory) of this architectural style. This would undoubtedly be the most difficult and risky section of your essay, but also the one from which you could learn the most. (If you are interested, I can look for some books to help you get started.) In conclusion I would ask my reader to follow me in his imagination back to the existing building with the description of which I began, to look at it again, and see in it now not only this one unique structure but to see it as a symbol of the thousands of buildings which have been built over the past two and a half thousand years, inspired by the "noble simplicity and silent greatness" of Greek art. which in architecture as in music defines a standard so perfect that it survives changes in fashion and taste, a standard to which men return century upon century with the realisation that this is how houses should be built, that this is how music should sound. [The phrase "noble simplicity and silent greatness" was coined in the eighteenth century by Johann Jakob Winckelmann, one of the greatest connoisseurs of Greek art of all time. He used the words: edle Einfalt und stille Groesse.] * * * * *

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