My time in the District has been great. I pretty much unplugged from the mass of email and did some recreational reading. I met friends, and enjoyed the Mass today.
If you are near DC go to the Verrocchio exhibit at the National Gallery. It isn’t huge but it is very good, worth the effort.
There is also an exhibit of a Spanish sculptor and maker of retablos, Alonso Berruguete. This guy’s got game.
Today I was at the chapel at the chancery of the Archdiocese for Military Services. Who can name this saint chaplain, depicted in the painting?
Dominicans on the way to Mass. It reminds me of an old Roman joke which I won’t tell now.
One of the symbols of the basilica.
Still some colorful leaves. I missed all the color in Wisconsin.
Speaking of color, which drink is mine?
Time to head home.
Many thanks to the wonderful people who stopped me after Mass to chat for a bit.
UPDATE:
Someone sent this.
“On the way out!”
Meanwhile, I also got this. Ever have problems with autocorrect?
Lorenzo de Medici thought that was hilarious.
He got it too.
That’s by Moroni, by the way. Innovative composition for a portrait. Way ahead of time!
Here’s a fascinating offering by Paolo Veronese. The Martyrdom and Last Communion of St Lucy. Her martyrdom is underway. Look at how she looks at the Host. Remember what they do to her eyes? And her’s is an important feast in December.
Really interesting painting.
And a jaunt into mannerism and Raphael Sanzio. I think he is playing with earlier Italian Madonna and Child, wherein Jesus grasps was he Virgins veil or robe, which I take to be a symbol of Him taking from her our humanity.
His tomb in Rome where I was a couple weeks ago.
I think I’ve written about the Latin on his tomb elsewhere. ILLE HIC EST RAPHAEL…
But wait… they are closing the aircraft doors.
Hurry!
TIMUIT QUO SOSPITE VINCI RERUM MAGNA PARENS ET MORIENTE MORI.
This here guy is Raphael. While he was alive Mother Nature was afraid that she would be defeated (by him painting nature more beautifully than she could) and while he was dying (she was afraid) that she would die (because he wouldn’t be around to paint her so beautifully anymore)!
There’s a lot in those words, but that’s Latin, friends. That’s Latin.
The flight attendants on this flight probably don’t know Latin but they are funny. “That’s Brittany in the back. Wave Brittany. She is Delta’s Worst Attendant of the Year and we’re glad to have her with us tonight.”
UPDATE:
From the last flight. I’d have to agree. All in all.
I was just asked if I was a Jesuit. If she only knew.
