Thanks Dave! I only wish I possessed this "mastery" over wood about which you speak, I think it's quite the other way round in fact... However I must agree that when you nail it (pun unintentional) it is very satisfying and long-lasting, much like the memories of incredible travels that my wife brings to the table (another unintentional pun).
footnote and fact check... the $400 edition is a leather bound, guilt edged (printed with original 1770's typeface) translation of Roubo's c.1776 masterwork L'Art du Menuisier (The Art of the Joiner) there will be much less spendy options (including epubs)
YOUR HUSBAND'S PASSION Like him already. "This thing from which emerges something beautiful, personal and completely unique"...no truer words. To bring something out of a hunk of wood that brings pleasure to the eye...and to the touch...that's mastery.
Whoever would have thought that woodwork could be so interesting?! ...but your style of writing always makes everything seem absolutely fascinating!
Oh, and I had to look up Rick Steves. Until today, I didn't know he's America's answer to Thomas Cook.
I've never blushed while looking at the Sleeping Faun before... But then again I guess I never realized how "sexy" he really is!! I commend you for being able to take that Tennessee woman's view into consideration... However, I find it odd that she felt that way about your photo as I know there is much worse to be seen on Instagram.
As a culture who is obsessed with sexualizing everything from cars to burgers, it always strikes me as odd that we are such a prude nation. Turn on the tv and commercials and ads are filled with half naked women with their boobs hanging out provocatively eating burgers and washing cars... What message are we sending our children when we instill in them that it is wrong to look at art portraying a body in its natural beautiful form but then allow them to watch, view and purchase goods that are sold through sexualization of the models promoting those goods?
Thank you for a thought provoking blog! And thanks for my new view of the Sexy Faun... Can't wait to tell my husband who my "new" favorite celebrity crush is ;)
great read as always Your blogs are pure pleasure, always!!!Not just a simple story (which it could have been) but a story with a point to get across:-) Looking forward to more!!!
B
fun read as always ;) though i can imagine the shock of the Tennessee mum hahaha i too would get in trouble if i post something like this on my facebook wall. everything else i find amusing =P
Hilarious and thoughtful blog. I wonder if the woman would have found the sculpture as vulgar if it had been one of the many naked nymphs (maybe with legs closed, but still as revealing)? I always find it hilarious that, especially in the States, we have so much sex selling everything from cars to movies to food, but in everyday discussion, these things cause nervous or giddy laughter and blushed cheeks as if they're naughty subjects. I wish we (in the States) were better at appreciating the differences between art, anatomy, sex, and confidence vs. vulgarity, but I think your blog eloquently states how it isn't always a cut and dry distinction. :)
Justice Potter Stewart: "I know it when I see it" It's a good thing you didn't post Gustave Courbet's "The Origin of the World" at the Jeu de Paume/Musee d'Orsay in Paris. The lady in Tennessee would have had a heart attack! When I saw it while wandering through the museum I must admit I did a double take. I won't post it as I believe TB has a policy against posting such pictures...perhaps Ali, Jo or Shane can confirm the policy and when nudes are not longer art.
Oh gee. That's right. I saw that at the Orsay a couple of years ago but not this last visit. I admit, that would of made me uncomfortable if I were with my kids. Maybe it shouldn't...but it is a bit shocking and unexpected.
We applaud your sensitivity. I agree with Ralf that censorship protects one side and deprives the other. I'm not sure I would have made the decision that you did but understand your sensitivity and kindness to the situation. You are a very nice person. Artwork is supposed to provoke and emotion and certainly this one has for many people on many levels. All in all, I'm with your mother, " I'd rather have my kids learn about anatomy from the Louve, than the internet." You are traveling with a wise woman.
Deleting the photo Travelblog is the real outlet for my travel musings, not Instagram. So I deleted the photo from Instagram, but complained about it here.
Excellent blog Haha - love it. It definitely keeps things in perspective. Living in the Middle East for a year now, I find myself becoming more conservative when it comes to clothing. When I went home, I still felt like I needed to be somewhat modest and did not go the other way by enjoying my freedom to let everything show. Just because you CAN show everything does not mean you should. And I also agree learning about anatomy from a museum is better than other places - you appreciate the human body a little more. But yes, it is still an exquisite piece of art from a craftsmanship point of view. Good blog!
I appreciate your reading my blog Alexis. I've enjoyed following your daily life in the Middle East as its VASTLY different from mine here in Illinois. And as far as modesty goes, I imagine the woman from Tennessee would be shocked to find Middle Eastern women frolicking in the sea fully clothed as well as nude sunbathers on the beach in France.
Linda Giese
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I love you....