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As I was walking around the ground floor Art gallery I couldn't help but feel mesmerised. Some of the paintings that covered the walls were simply magnificent ... but so were the various sculptures spread in the room.
I don't remember how long I stood there admiring them but what I know for sure is that it wasn't enough because as I walked back to the main hall so as to go up the staircase onto the first floor the feeling was of incompleteness ... one that I often feel when I cannot get hold of the whole details, which cannot be achieved but when one has immersed oneself in the "soul" of the painting.
I don't remember how long I stood there admiring them but what I know for sure is that it wasn't enough because as I walked back to the main hall so as to go up the staircase onto the first floor the feeling was of incompleteness ... one that I often feel when I cannot get hold of the whole details, which cannot be achieved but when one has immersed oneself in the "soul" of the painting.
The chosen five - an 1885 oil on canvas by Edwin Long (right). The painting shows the studio of the Greek artist whom the people of Cretona had asked to produce an image of the legendary Helen of Troy for their temple. The five most beautiful maidens of the town were then chosen to act as models for the work.
Psyche at the throne of Venus - an 1883 oil on canvas by Edward Hale (right). In this scene Psyche has lost the love of Cupid and is begging Venus for mercy.
Jephthah's vow - an 1885 oil on canvas by Edwin Long (left) - the first in a trilogy depicting the Old Testament story of Jephthah, who made a vow to God in exchange for victory in battle. He promised to sacrifice the first person who greated him on his return home, his only child having been the first who ran to him. In the wilderness (right) - The second painting in the trilogy depicting Jephthah's daughter preparing herself for death, once she accepted the terrible part she was to play in the fufilment of her father's vow.
The Martyr - the final painting in the trilogy showing Jephthah's despair at the death of his daughter caused by his oath to God.
The Moorish Proselytes of Archbishop Ximenes, Granada 1500 - an 1873 oil on canvas by Edwin Long. The scene depicts the aftermath of the Spanish Invasion and capture of Granada in 1492 where the Islamic residents were protected until 1500 when the Bishop Ximenes (seated on the left of the painting) ordered that all Muslims had to convert to Christianity or face expulsion.
George Bernard Shaw - a 1928 bronze sculpture by Kathleen Scott who befriended Shaw in the 1920's.
Cornish holiday around 1940-46 - An oil on canvas painting by Dorothea Sharp.
Glauké - pensive - an 1883 oil on canvas by Edwin Long (left). The painting depicts the doomed daughter of Gorinth just before she received the fatal gifts. Having passionately fallen in love with Jason, who in turn was married to Medea she was presented a cursed dress and tiara sent to her by Medea which having stuck to her body burned her to death. Going to church - a Dutch peasant - an 1883 oil on canvas by Therese Schwartze (right). This painting is believed to be full of symbols to describe the character of the girl, such as the functional clothing emphasising her dutiful nature.
Mrs Dod Procter on Patrick - a 1912 oil on canvas painting by Alfred Munnings.
Gipsy horse drovers - an 1894 oil on canvas painting by Lucy Kemp-Welch (left). Recognition - a 1941 oil on canvas painting by Margaret Wilson (right) depicting an old woman who has fallen on hard times and is forced to sell matches.
Walking up the outstandingly beautiful staircase leading to the upper rooms forced me to look right and left up and down all the time as if my senses were in permanent contact with different stimulae and a varied number of paintings and sculpures that inevitably caught one's attention.
(To be continued)
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