And I would that my tongue could utter …
Barrie Sheppard continues his exploration of the life and times of Turner. Barrie writes: In December 1807 JMW Turner, Royal Academician since 1802, was elected Professor of Perspective. He was …
‘FINE’
My current favourite four-letter word is ‘fine’. It is a multi-purpose word and can be a noun, verb, or adjective. Given its functionality, it is perfectly suited to the state …
Food for Thought
On re-reading this year’s blogposts, I was reminded of the saying from the Gospel of John: ‘Let him who is without sin cast the first stone’. Accordingly, I must admit …
Caput
Having just watched an interview with the lawyer representing Jacob Chansley (AKA Jake Angeli) – the self-professed QAnon Shaman, who was dressed in furs, horns, body paint and carrying a …
Constable in love
Barrie Sheppard continues his exploration of the life and times of John Constable. Barrie writes: In 1816, English landscape painter John Constable married Maria Bicknell. He was 40, she 28. …
Resolve
The engraving of Auratus Janus … in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria reminds us of the important and unique Roman god, Janus, who may lend his name …
Goodbye 2020
It is customary at this time of the year to reflect on the highs and lows of the preceding twelve months. Many will be unlikely to experience nostalgia for a …
The Golden Dagger of Ahasuerus
In today’s post, Howard Wallace examines the significance of the golden dagger in the biblical story of Esther. Howard writes: Arent De Gelder (1645-1727), a one-time student of Rembrandt, has …
Temeraire
Boxing Day is a day for relaxation after the festivities of Christmas Day. Australian artist Deborah Walker’s lithograph in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria suggests one possible …
Dunbar 2020
As we re-engage with our family and friends after months of limited social contact, I was reminded of the work by British anthropologist, Robin Dunbar, who examined the number of …