Goal for the Day: Take a Walk

While very few of us will ever look like a living sculpture, we can all take care of our bodies, and consequently our minds and souls.  One of the best ways to get some exercise is to take a walk around your neighborhood, or even around a local indoor our outdoor mall.  Walking gives you a chance to get your heart pumping, but also an opportunity to fire up your mind.  It's a great chance to look around your neighborhood and see what you've been missing from inside your car.  Take a look at the colors around you--the sky, the plants, the houses, the signs.  Enjoy nature and enjoy the work of other humans--architecture, landscaping.  Make a point of finding five things that interest you each time you take a walk.  You won't regret it.  Just be careful during these hot summer months.  Walk in the morning or early evening when the weather is a little less brutal and always make sure to have some water handy.  Another great item to have on a walk is a "cooling bandana."  Filled with crystals which hold cold water, a few minutes in the refrigerator are all these bandanas need to keep you cool while you stroll. 

Object of the Day: “Fructidor” by Mathurin Moreau

This large spelter sculpture by Mathurin Moreau has stood in my bedroom for the last seven years. Mathurin Moreau (1822-1912) was a French sculptor from the celebrated Moreau family of sculptures which included August Moreau. Mathurin sculpted in the “Academic” style which was popular during this time period. Moreau first exhibited at the Salon in 1848. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1897. In 1912, Mathurin Moreau was named mayor of the nineteenth arrondissement of Paris and a street was named in his honor.

Fructidor was most likely sculpted in the 1860’s. Named for the twelfth month of the French Republican Calendar (Fruit), the sculpture depicts a young man harvesting grapes. Masterfully sculpted, the figure appears to have motion and life and seems to be ready to leap from his base at any moment.

Mathurin Moreau was a master sculptor of the highest caliber. In the United States, he is rarely mentioned, however his influence on the French sculptors of his time is obvious.

Moment in Time: "Couple in New York City"

In 1954, photographer Mildred Grossman captured this charming image of a couple strolling a New York City street.  While not "Belle Époque” strictly speaking, it does reflect a grace and dignity that died out long ago. This image shows two people growing old and alike together, facing a day with pride and resolve. They have taken the time to put on their hats, their spring-weight coats, and to carry their neatly-wrapped umbrellas. To prepare themselves for their walk, they put forth no extra effort. Dressing this way was normal to them. To be seen in a less-than-dignified way, would have been anathema to them. What I find most appealing about this image is that with the exception of some minor differences in coat length and detail, this could be a picture of the 1910’s or, even, earlier. What’s become of this sort of self-respect? What happened to a sense of stateliness? It’s not just in the way they’re dressed, it’s the way they’re carrying themselves. It’s not an arrogance, but rather a sense of comfort—comfort with themselves and with each other. We should each try to have that sort of pride each day.

Question of the Week: The Art in Your Heart...

There’s art in everything. Look around you. Do you have a favorite object, a favorite thing? Think of something that you consider special. Perhaps it’s a beloved piece of jewelry. Maybe, there’s a family heirloom that you cherish. What makes it special? What makes it beautiful? I invite all of you to share your object with me by posting a comment below. I’m curious to know what makes you happy by bringing beauty to your life.



Painting by M. Antione, from my collection.

Recommended Reading: Royal Palaces

Thinking about Church’s monumental Hudson River Valley home, Olana, which is the quintessential American palace, reminded me of a book I was given a couple of Christmases ago. Royal Palaces, edited by Marcello Morelli, is a photographic journey through over thirty palaces around the world. With thoughtfully written historical articles to accompany each place, this book offers gorgeous photos of some of the most stunning castles and palaces ever built. Everything from Versailles and Buckingham palace to Het Loo Palace and The Castle of Prague is photographed in crisp, brilliant detail. Not only do you get your fill of exquisite architecture, but also of painting, sculpture and the decorative arts. The best part about this book is that it reminds us that our own homes—no matter how modest—are and should be our own palaces and must be treated accordingly.


Above painting: Esplanade at Versailles by Robert J. Inness, from my own collection.

Place of the Week: Frederick Edwin Church's Magnificent "Olana"

Frederick Edwin Church, American’s premiere landscape painter of the mid-Nineteenth-Century long had a vision of the perfect home for his family. A follower of Thomas Cole of the Hudson River School style of painting, Church’s vision was realized at the majestic Hudson River Valley where he purchased a large parcel of land. There, in 1860, Church, his wife and two children commissioned a home called “Cosy Cottage.” Sadly, their two children died of diphtheria in 1865. In 1867, Church purchased eighteen acres of the land on the hill overlooking their property. Soon after, Church, his wife Isabel and their new infant son traveled the world. On this trip, Church became enamored with the architecture of the Middle East. Upon their return, Church began sketching his vision of an opulent mansion to be built upon the hill. After working with other architects, Church decided that Calvert Vaux should be the one to design his home. Church wished the mansion to be designed in a style that represented, “Persian adapted to the Occident.”

The result of that is the amazing Olana—named for a fortress and treasure house in ancient Persia.

As his family continued to grow, Church himself decorated their new home, stenciling the walls, painstakingly choosing the colors and filling the house with antiques and unusual furnishings collected throughout their travels. The early 1890’s saw additions to the mansion. By 1891, the house was complete, and remains almost unchanged.

Classifying the house as any one particular style is difficult. Church’s vision of “Persian adapted to the Occident” was certainly realized. A blend of popular Victorian styles, Moorish details and Persian overtones, the house is a magnificent creation of brick, stone and tile. Perhaps even more amazing are the views of the sweeping and colorful Hudson River Valley, the Catskill Mountains and Taconic Hills.

Today, the house remains a state historic site. If you find yourself in upstate New York, a visit to Olana is a must. With its 250 acre grounds, unrivaled views, glorious mansion, and the stunning collection of Church’s paintings, Olana is a glimpse at a more beautiful time.





Images Courtesy of The Olana State Historic Site.

Goal for the Day: Dress Up

I don’t mean “dress-up” in the sense of go to your attic and rummage through the trunk of Grandma’s old clothes. I mean simply, let’s make an effort. Instead of slouching off to the store in our pajama bottoms and a tee-shirt, let’s put on real pants and a shirt with buttons. Right now, it’s hot and we all want to be comfortable. However, you can still look stylish and be comfortable. Even if you put on your best pair of jeans and tucked your shirt in. Women can spruce up any outfit with a great looking pair of shoes. Why not wear those gold sequined shoes? Guys, wear a tie every once in awhile. Or, go to Target or Amazon.com and buy an inexpensive fedora. Hats are very much in style right now. With your tee-shirt and shorts, a fedora looks very cool. Putting an effort—even the slightest effort—into our appearance makes us feel better and also shows the people around us that we care about ourselves, and about them.