a rejuvenating reminder, thank you james. bringing beauty into our day is a right, not a privilege. no matter our status by the world’s standards, there will never be a fee to witness a sauntering sunset, hear the laughter of leaves whirling in the wind, or hold the hands of the ones who humbly touch our heart
I always open your newsletter with a smile, because I know that while reading it, I’ll be immersed in beauty and art — and for a little while, forget all the problems of the world.
Your observations & interpretations are more important than many would take the time to consider. And given the aesthetics, it’s time well spent. A museum/gallery curator, amongst other things, there has never been any object in my residences, the provenance of which is not unique.
I fell that this happens with literature and art. The ephemeral trends counts, not beauty anymore
"And in an age dominated by speed, utility, and ephemeral trends, it can feel as though the quiet, profound presence of beauty is slipping through our fingers"
Many years ago my (now) wife and I went through a period of buying French antiques such as book cases, armoires, a desk and a server, etcetera. When we finally combined households we had to go through a painful process of downsizing our furnishings, including some of our antiques. My wife had to give up a beautiful mahogany bookcase because it was simply too tall to fit in our current home, though luckily one of her relatives had room for it and owns it now. I had to give up a wonderful marquetry bookcase because of its width, sold to a dealer for a song. But in the end we were able to keep most of our antiques to adorn this house we live in now. One of those is an Art nouveau server that I find myself looking at daily. These things remind us of the beauty you’re describing, carefully crafted wood and bronze objects from another time in another country. Alas, these are all juxtaposed with very modern items that, though functional, are not the least artful.
Living in Oklahoma, we've visited several tribal museums. Looking at the early objects, I'm always impressed by how soon after meeting the most basic needs beauty is incorporated. They needed baskets for gathering their food and pots to store and cook it. Rather than just make utilitarian objects, they added colors and patterns. Even when we don't have much, we're designed to create and enjoy beautiful things.
I'm saving this so I can read it again.
That means a lot, thank you so much!
Same!
Me too.
Yep. Me too!
a rejuvenating reminder, thank you james. bringing beauty into our day is a right, not a privilege. no matter our status by the world’s standards, there will never be a fee to witness a sauntering sunset, hear the laughter of leaves whirling in the wind, or hold the hands of the ones who humbly touch our heart
Beautifully said. Your words reminded me of one of my favorite Shakespeare sonnets:
“For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.”
I always open your newsletter with a smile, because I know that while reading it, I’ll be immersed in beauty and art — and for a little while, forget all the problems of the world.
Thank you
That Corinthian column dress is pretty cool
Your observations & interpretations are more important than many would take the time to consider. And given the aesthetics, it’s time well spent. A museum/gallery curator, amongst other things, there has never been any object in my residences, the provenance of which is not unique.
I fell that this happens with literature and art. The ephemeral trends counts, not beauty anymore
"And in an age dominated by speed, utility, and ephemeral trends, it can feel as though the quiet, profound presence of beauty is slipping through our fingers"
Friend, this article has made my day. Many thanks.
Beauty is truth; Truth, beauty. That is all ye know on Earth and all ye need to know
No doubt it was the quest for Beuty that created Civilization.
Scruton is right.
Thankls for reminding us!
Many years ago my (now) wife and I went through a period of buying French antiques such as book cases, armoires, a desk and a server, etcetera. When we finally combined households we had to go through a painful process of downsizing our furnishings, including some of our antiques. My wife had to give up a beautiful mahogany bookcase because it was simply too tall to fit in our current home, though luckily one of her relatives had room for it and owns it now. I had to give up a wonderful marquetry bookcase because of its width, sold to a dealer for a song. But in the end we were able to keep most of our antiques to adorn this house we live in now. One of those is an Art nouveau server that I find myself looking at daily. These things remind us of the beauty you’re describing, carefully crafted wood and bronze objects from another time in another country. Alas, these are all juxtaposed with very modern items that, though functional, are not the least artful.
Living in Oklahoma, we've visited several tribal museums. Looking at the early objects, I'm always impressed by how soon after meeting the most basic needs beauty is incorporated. They needed baskets for gathering their food and pots to store and cook it. Rather than just make utilitarian objects, they added colors and patterns. Even when we don't have much, we're designed to create and enjoy beautiful things.
That von Stuck door handle is exquisite and lives in my head rent-free. 🙂
I love this
The photos have presence with your awesome words. This is refreshing.
I’m stealing the inscription on The Posy Ring. It was a better time when men spoke to women this way.
Lovely as the subject matter. Thank you.