Architecture · Art · Museums · Observations · Paris

Mark Rothko retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris: impressions of the show

The Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris has closed its major retrospective of Mark Rothko (1903-1970), the most significant ever devoted to the artist. Since October it has unfailingly drawn formidable queues. They say that the scenography of the exhibition follows the artist's own instructions, but can one

Faith · Observations · Society · People

Pope Francis's address to the World Economic Forum makes no mention of God

I have read the address of Pope Francis I to the participants of the 2024 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. What does Francis mention? International instability, praise for the World Economic Forum, innovative and effective ways of building a better world, the need for social cohesion, an ever more

Art · Museums · Observations · Rome

Marble Vestal Tuccia by Antonio Corradini, 1743, in Palazzo Barberini

This veiled marble maiden is one of the celebrated sculptural series of her day. She was created by Antonio Corradini in 1743. Her maker was, in a manner of speaking, the darling of the European courts: sovereigns and aristocrats alike longed to possess his work. Above all, Corradini specialised in

Faith · Observations

Easter falls on 31 March for Catholics

Easter falls on 31 March for Catholics. Happy holiday! Our Easter this year is on 6 May. We count the days to Christ's Resurrection and do not forget about Great Lent.

NB! · Observations

Sometimes Two People Simply Need to Talk

The Colosseum on a rainy day, with tourists in raincoats and under umbrellas on wet cobblestones.

Books · Observations · Rome

Nikolay Karamzin in a 1797 poem on Rome as described by Tacitus

Tacitus is great; but is the Rome that Tacitus describes Worthy of his pen? In this Rome, once renowned for heroism, I see nothing but murderers and their victims, One should not pity it: It deserved the cruel calamities of its misfortune, Enduring what cannot be endured without baseness! Literal

NB! · Art · Books · Observations · Humour

A Francis Bacon Self-Portrait on the Cover of George Orwell

A Francis Bacon self-portrait on the cover of George Orwell. What a stroke of luck, my dropping in just now

NB! · Observations · Pop Culture · Humour

Breaking into the Slytherin Common Room

NB! · Art · Observations · Humour

If you rest, then like Guido Reni's Sleeping Putto, 1627-1628

NB! · Museums · Observations · Paris · Humour

Much in the world changes, but not the queues at the Louvre

NB! · Faith · Observations · Society · Rome

In My Opinion, This Is Very Sad

In my opinion, this is very sad. An enormous heap of rubbish lies literally in front of the entrance to Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, one of the 7 pilgrimage churches of Rome and, without exaggeration, one of the most sacred churches in the city. I do not know what Francis

Faith · Observations · Society

Condolences to victims of a terrorist attack and a call to trust in the Lord

And the Light Shineth in Darkness, and the Darkness Comprehended It Not. Gospel of John 1:5 I offer my most heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this monstrous, inhuman act of terror, and to their families and friends. Hold fast, my dear compatriots, do not lose heart in