A soaring plane, probably a London Plane Platanus x hispanica, in the grounds of Anglesey Abbey. Compare this with the picture of the spreading tree in Emmanuel College, most likely an Oriental Plane Platanus orientalis, posted on 5th March 2023.
At Angelsey Abbey yesterday enjoying a favourite tree, a mighty beech. Sparked a debate about whether trees can be considered sentient.
8th October. Another brilliant, sunny autumn day. At Anglesey Abbey the trees are turning glorious gold, amber and red – a very special show, due perhaps to the long dry summer. The liquid amber trees (Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly called sweetgum … Continue reading
Reading through my diaries for a project I’m working on I came across this entry for 20th September 1980: ‘We spent the afternoon at Anglesey Abbey searching fruitlessly for conkers. There were very few about, and those we found were … Continue reading
Climbing tree and screaming tree, Anglesey Abbey.
I’ve finished the project that started out as Classical Contrasts and became Ambivalent Auras and brought the work together on a photo book. An introductory essay which explains the thinking behind it starts: ‘Classical sculpture is ambivalent: both cold, hard … Continue reading
Faun (Roman) or Satyr (Greek), a woodland creature that is part human and part goat. Part of the retinue of Dionysus and devoted to drink and sex. The name faun is derived from Faunus, the name of an ancient deity … Continue reading
I’ve been able to make progress with my Classical Contrasts project (see posts 28th &29th July and 4th June 2020, renamed Ambivalent Auras) now the Museum of Classical Archaeology has opened for booked visits. I spent a couple of hours … Continue reading
This gallery contains 3 photos.
Vespasian was Roman emperor from 69 to 79. The fourth and last in the Year of the Four Emperors, he founded the Flavian dynasty that ruled the Empire for 27 years. Figure: one of The Twelve Caesars, Italian (Roman) School … Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
Tiw/Tyr is a Nordic figure associated with war, justice and the law. He can be equated with Ares, the Greek god of courage and war, one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. Figure: Tīw or … Continue reading
This gallery contains 3 photos.
Titus was Roman emperor from 79 to 81. A member of the Flavian dynasty, Titus succeeded his father Vespasian upon his death. Before becoming emperor, Titus gained renown as a military commander, serving under his father in Judea during the … Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
Silenus was a companion of the god of wine Dionysus and leader of the satyrs. Sometimes a purveyor of wisdom. Parentage various, including Pan and Hermes. Figure: Silenus with the Infant Baccus, French School, c. 1800-99, bronze; origin Colworth House, … Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
Satyrs, lustful wild men of the woods devoted to drink and sex. Sometimes depicted with horses or goats’ tail and legs. Part of the retinue of Dionysus. Figures: herm of a satyr blowing a conch shell and herm of a … Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
Meleager offering Atalanta the head of the Calydonian Boar. Meleager, one of the Argonauts. Host of the Calydonian boar hunt, he killed the boar and presented the skin to Atalanta. Son of Oeneus and Althea. Atalanta a virgin huntress, who … Continue reading
This gallery contains 3 photos.
Nero was Roman emperor from 54 to 68, the last ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, he was the son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger, the sister of Emperor Caligula. Nero’s father died in … Continue reading
