All in good Order ~ An Example of the Importance of describing Portraits (the details, dammit!)
I do wonder about the current quality of research and documentation as presented by auction houses in their catalogues. Or is it no longer of any importance? – that can also be the case.
The Ball of the Wild Geese – St. Patrick’s Day 1766 in Habsburg Austria
Not nearly as green clovered. Most definitely none of those figurative decorations, bearing outrageously smiling leprechauns. A complete lack of ale and stout.
No traditional meals (…)
The Hour has come ~ Sadness & Madness in Corsican Passion
And there it was again that clear single, soft note of the cornetto: A song of lament, once placed on that list for good reason as it is bursting with Corsican passion; so heartstakingly beautiful that you feel the sorrow, even if you do not understand the language.
Opulence, Opera & Opium ~ The Associative Mind at Work
The associative mind, apparently, can work its way through memories and general knowledge – linking them, crossing continents and centuries, to finally land where the music starts.
To the Indies in the East ~ The Manuscript Journal of a Young Ships-Doctor, 1840-1841
There are moments in the life of a historical researcher and writer that cause a feeling of bliss; often related to either a lucky find or a great new subject … Continue reading
Why is a Raven like a Writing-Desk? ~ 150 Year old brilliant Nonsense (in 30 Quotes)
This year, for 150 years children have been enjoying the wonderous mad world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Pulcinella under the Hammer ~ Bumping into an Old Childhood Friend again
Pulcinella is an old childhood friend to whom I was introduced at a very young age – recently, we had again brief meeting through the auction house of Bonhams in London.
Copulating Skeletons on a Roof ~ Rameau’s Rocking Gavotte
This gavotte is hypnotically beautiful, it cheered me up tremendously, and proves that seventeenth century composers were the rockstars of their time.
Bloody Excuses ~ because Apples don’t fall far from Trees
Hoorah! We finally have scientific support for pushing our personal flaws and problems back to our ancestors. It is not my fault, my grandfather was already born this way.
Remember, Remember ~ Plotters & Heroes in the Family Tree
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
gunpowder treason and plot,
I know of no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.
Calm & Explosive ~ Another Dutch New Year’s Eve
A new year has begun! To all a happy New Year; with all the best in health, success and happiness possible. I hope everyone had either a calm and relaxed New … Continue reading
Religion in Tradition ~ Rachmaninoff & Six Generations
Today it was once again quite clear that I’m not well versed in the Bible. I admire and, at the same time, envy people who can quote the appropriate verses … Continue reading
Remember me ~ Portrait Miniatures under the Hammer
A sturdy shiver went down my spine as I opened today’s e-mail from Bonhams. No, it was not the invoice for my last purchase there, but the announcement and catalogue … Continue reading
A Stray Paper ~ The Ximenes Family Record
It often puzzles me how family papers can go astray. Of course, there are many explanations possible: It could have ended up in a book, never retrieved, and the book … Continue reading
