What's made these boys so joyous?Answer to yesterday's quiz: One group is Artemis (Diana) the Huntress, another Theseus slaying the minotaur, and the third must be Pan - the young god of the fields and pastures. Click on the photo and expand it and I think the clue is in his right hand!
Sicard, the sculptor, wrote:
" Apollo represents the Arts (Beauty and Light). Apollo holds out his right arm as a sign of protection, and spreads his benefits over all Nature, whilst he holds the Lyre in his left hand. Apollo is the warmth which vivifies, giving life to all Nature. At the touch of his rays, men awake, trees and fields become green, the animals go out into the fields, and men go to work at dawn.
The ancient Pliny adored the sun, symbol of Life. It is on this account that I wished this figure to be the chief one in the memorial.
At Apollo's feet the star of day is indicated by a semi-circle, of which the rays spread out in jets of light (the rising sun). The horses' heads represent the horses of Apollo's chariot. Out of their nostrils the water will fall into the first basin, to fall from there into the second, and run away into the large basin.
The large basin is divided into three groups. One represents Diana, goddess of purity, of peaceful nights, symbol of charity; the ideal which watches over mortals - all that stands for poetry and harmony. The second group symbolises the good things of the earth - it is the young god of the fields and pastures, of the pleasure of the countryside. The third group represents sacrifice for the public good. Theseus, vanquisher of the Minotaur. The spirit triumphs over bestiality. Theseus delivers his country from the ransom which it had to pay to this monster. It is the sacrifice of himself for the good of humanity. Between these groups tortoises throw jets of water. "
The ancient Pliny adored the sun, symbol of Life. It is on this account that I wished this figure to be the chief one in the memorial.
At Apollo's feet the star of day is indicated by a semi-circle, of which the rays spread out in jets of light (the rising sun). The horses' heads represent the horses of Apollo's chariot. Out of their nostrils the water will fall into the first basin, to fall from there into the second, and run away into the large basin.
The large basin is divided into three groups. One represents Diana, goddess of purity, of peaceful nights, symbol of charity; the ideal which watches over mortals - all that stands for poetry and harmony. The second group symbolises the good things of the earth - it is the young god of the fields and pastures, of the pleasure of the countryside. The third group represents sacrifice for the public good. Theseus, vanquisher of the Minotaur. The spirit triumphs over bestiality. Theseus delivers his country from the ransom which it had to pay to this monster. It is the sacrifice of himself for the good of humanity. Between these groups tortoises throw jets of water. "
Very good quiz by the way and beautiful fountain. The history about Archibald was fascinating too.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what made these little chaps so happy but whatever it was, they are so darned cute, makes one want to grab hold and cuddle them.
It's amazing how kids are able to find happiness in almost everything. Great shot.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting a good Greek mythology lesson here too. :-)
Love the smiles.....just stopped by to look. Cheers from West Sacramento Photo of the Day.
ReplyDeletebeautiful portraits!
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that they are in our city for God - but that is probably not what is making them happy at that instant. The city seems like a jolly place to be at the moment with everyone on foot and cars banned from many roads. People wandering and talking to perfect strangers without feeling anxiety is always a nice space to be in. They surely are gorgeous looking youngsters - and it is world YOUTH day.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous looking kids. Everyone is so damn happy at the moment - to an old curmudgeon like me its sickening. At least noone has tried to sing at me yet:). Having chants of Be-ne-de-to! and thumping of tamborines under your window all day gets very tiring. Its incredibly colourful but difficult to get anyone to stand still long enough to get a decent photo.
ReplyDeleteThat's coz the spirit is moving them.
ReplyDeletebeautiful yong boys
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