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Show ON PANTOMIME. 135 Menzini says t - " Sappi, che la natura ella Sovrasta Qual nobile Regina; e Parte aggiunge Un tal contengno, cbe belta non guasta. Anzi l'accresce e'l suo valor congiunge All 'alma genefosa, e rappresenta A lei vicin cio, che saria da lunge." Art. Poet. 8. The Regie, a celebrated statue of the famous sculptor Polycletes, of Syciones, which represented a guard of one of the kings of Persia. It was so called by reason of the just proportion and exact symmetry of all its forms, and was considered a perfect model of the human figure. Amateurs and artists came from all parts to see and consult it. Polycletes was universal iu bis art; and equally as successful in large works as in small. He much excelled in the carving of. basso relievo, and possessed the same facility of execution on bronze, as on marble. He was also an eminent architect. 9. This muse, Polyhymnia, also invented chironomy, a word signifying the art of making gestures in a graceful manner. The word is derived from x(lP hand and vo/ws law. This art also consisted in calculating and making expressive signs with the fingers. 10. Polus was performing the part of Electra, sister of Orestes ; among the ancients, w o m e n were never permitted to act either in tragedy or comedy. The men took every part, and some there were who rendered themselves in a manner famous for their talent of performing in female characters. Nero, that monster of iniquity, who was so passionately fond of theatrical diversions, always gave them the preference. He performed in the character of Niobe, of Canace in Child-bed, and of several other women. In pantomimes women played their respective parts, and produced a much better effect. Those who remain on record as having been distinguished in their art, are Arbuscula, Lucilia, Tymele, Denlse Cytheris, (whose beauty, talent, and wit, inspired the poet Gallus with the most violent love for her,) and Valeria Cloppia, who also gained some repute by the composition of several Pantomimes. Not long ago, in modern Rome, all the female parts, both in operas and ballets, were played by men. This custom was also in fashion in France and England about the middle of the seventeenth century. Nearly every caricature part of women was played 9» |
