What a beautiful painting of Queen Victoria. So unlike the photos of her of which most of us are acquainted! But an artist has the option to highlight, or even exaggerate, the beauty he or she sees in a subject ... and downplay any perceived flaws, making, in some ways, a much more "true" representation of a person. A photograph only captures a fraction of a second of a person's life ... but a painting, created over several days, weeks or months, can capture the divinity inherent in all nature. This painting is called "the secret picture". It was commissioned by Queen Victoria and presented to her husband, Prince Albert, as a surprise for his 24th birthday - for his eyes only. It was an unusual painting of Royalty at the time, both for its lack of focus on exuberant costume and finery, and also for its sensuality. The glass heart-shaped locket the Queen is wearing is thought to be the pendant containing a lock of Prince Albert's hair, and which the Queen wore day and night before their marriage. Since this picture was meant for her husband's eyes only - it would certainly have signalled her utter devotion to him. Prince Albert so loved this painting that it was hung in his Writing Room in Windsor. Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 / edited 2020 Bibliography: Royal Collection Trust, UK
0 Comments
The story of Noah's Ark has been told in many lands, in many ways, by many different people and survives to this day. Whether you view it as a true event, a multitude of mini-events over time, pure myth or an allegory ... it is a fascinating tale, with each version having its own twists and turns. And what child doesn't thrill at playing with cute little "mom and dad" animals, their very own toy boat complete with a gangplank, to board all those little animals? Here we see even Enid Blyton's "Noddy" and "Big Ears" attempting to get all the little animal residents of Toyland aboard their toy Ark. The mischievous monkeys are, as usual, giving Noddy a hard time and of course, his friend, the wise old Brownie Big Ears, is playing the part of Noah. I think I'll leave this picture out for the fairies to find - if this rain keeps up in Meadow Sweet Grove, they may want to consider building one of these ... as a precautionary measure! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 What is it about the playful, romantic magic that the month of May holds? So many have paid homage to its charms in song. Here are just a few: "While strolling through the park one day, In the merry, merry month of May, I was taken by surprise, By a pair of roguish eyes..." - Ed Haley "We roamed the fields and river sides, When we are young and gay, We chased the bees and plucked the flowers, In the merry month of May" - Stephen Collins Foster
Meadow Sweet Grove claims and owns no rights to this video. Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017
|
~ SHOP ~
FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOUR ORDER TOTALS $99 CDN! Enter Coupon Code: FREESHIPPING at checkout and hit "Apply". (Offer available within Canada & USA only) Meadow Sweet GroveFolklore & Magic Archives Categories
All
|