This is the first in a series of posts on my favorite paintings in the National Gallery in Washington. Is she pouting? Is she on the verge of tears? Often…
Because many people dream of coming to New York, and because I'm never sorry to come back home: a list of favorite references on New York City's history and sights.…
The title of this post comes from "Silver Ships," whose author, Mildred Plew Meigs, lived 1892-1944. Since the copyright status isn't clear, I won't paste the poem here: instead, I'm sending…
"The Sea Gypsy" - Richard Hovey (1864-1900) I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in…
This view of Scranton, Pennsylvania, shows the new roundhouse of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad. The painting was commissioned by the president of the railroad ca. 1856. I love the way the train…
A favorite quote on reading, from Francis Bacon (1561-1626): Crafty men condemn studies; simple men admire them; and wise men use them: for they teach not their own use: but…
Leyendecker (1874-1951) is one of my favorite American illustrators, active starting in 1899 - almost the same time as Maxfield Parrish began painting. On my wish list is the latest, gloriously…
Manchester's A World Lit Only by Fire is brilliant, gripping, and startlingly vivid view of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance that uses Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe as a a hook.…
I've loved reading for as long as I can remember, and this painting captures the emotion I associate with it---utter absorption and bright light, even if the day is dark…
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy is a romping good story, and was the first novel to feature a fop who is a hero in disguise. That makes Sir Percival Blakeney…