Peace and Beauty... Assumption of the Virgin

Wondering why I just cannot 'feel' the Christmas mood anymore, be it in France or England, nor experience any desire to spend time trudging around shops, I wandered around the Victoria and Albert Museum for hours instead! Although I failed to recover the festive spirit in any sense whatsover, I did have a wonderful visit, especially on returning to the stunning Cast Courts. This time, the calm and beauty of one of the vast copies on display caught my attention; a section of a Baldacchino (tabernacle) representing the Virgin and angels, in a sculpted depiction of the Assumption. Almost 700 years old, the original work completed in 1359, is set in the Orsanmichele Church in Florence, commissioned just after the passing of the Black Death. The tabernacle structure served to frame a painting of the Madonna (by Bernardo Daddi), but I think it wholeheartedly stole the show! The details of the cast of the carved marble, with intricate features further highlighted by what was originally inlaid gold, glass, and lapis lazuli, creates a uniquely delicate effect that perhaps reflect the influence of the artist's background as son of a goldsmith. The sculptor responsible for its creation was Andrea di Cione - known as l'Orcagna - (c. 1308–c. 1368), and although he was known for his work as painter, poet and, of course, sculptor, his name is perhaps largly overlooked today...

In fact, the Assumption is just one of two scenes represented on the large sculpted relief of the tabernacle for in the lower section of the work is the Dormition of Mary, with her demise. In the upper section, as shown here, we see the Virgin as she levitates within the oval form that is symbolic of sacred figures - the mandorla (Italian for 'almond') - which is grasped by the angels that bear her to heaven. I love the angels' expressions and postures as they busily accompany Mary in her spiritual ascent, their forms floating on the clouds that shroud their angelic feet! Well, after over 4 hours in the museum, my own feet were feeling decidedly unangelic but I felt so elated to see such incredible works that lift you no matter how you initially feel....

Stark Winter in Hyde Park...

My first stop on arrival in England is invariably Hyde Park, and this time was no different. The bare, skeletal trees with their dark, spindly branches suited my mood and the whole nature of the trip...

The skies were steely grey, reflected in the cold water of the silent fountain...

Everything seemed quiet and pensive, forcing reflection on thoughts that offered little warmth or comfort. However, after a while, Life seemed to take the upper hand and the little wonders of nature, however small and discreet, refused to be overlooked.

Tiny, modest buds and delicate blossom were there to be seen, for eyes ready to look onward, and the wild bird song was to be heard, for ears willing to listen...

Already bursting forward were early clusters of snowdrops, in defiance of bleakness, whilst the monument to the departed seemed less a memorial to royal demise than a celebration of this wonderful legacy left to us today, almost 300 years on; Hyde Park.

Lovely Lichen... In Mount's Bay.

Even on the greyest of Winter mornings, there is always something to catch the eye when meandering along the coastline path that borders Mount's Bay, leading away from Penzance towards Marazion.

Typically, the waves were crashing along the vast stretches of pebble shore with the clattering swash and dragging backwash on the shingle. The wind blustered, sending the seagulls on perilous flight, but closer afoot were the granite bolders, with their striking smatterings of lichen!

Some of these were incredibly vivid in colour, with their bright golden aureoles 'flowing' and bursting across the stony surfaces, as ink drop diffusions, spreading out repeatedly, in a multitude of different shapes and shades.

Others, meanwhile, were more subtle with delicate lacy clusters embroidered on rust-coloured stone or scaling over the weather-worn wooden fencing with feathery outshoots...

With this strange organic shroud, every surface becomes strangely ageless, or rather seems to acquire a patina of age and wisdom, witnesses of the passage of time and Life itself.