SNAPSHOTS, MEMES and SHORT VIDEOS

Living in downtown NYC, and Long Island NYS

Saturday, June 20, 2009

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY


OXALIS


This is a view of the Williamsberg Bridge, NY, which I lost when the NYU dorm for 700 students was built next door, due to open in the Fall




The plant is Oxalis and thrives.  I have had it for many years.  It's wine coloured leaf opens in the day time and closes at night.  Periodically, tiny lavender flowers appear.  It likes the sun and lots of water.    It is a winner!



It is noted that Oxalis appears in Michelangelo's Doni Tondo, an Italian Renaissance masterwork dated 1504-1505c.  



Quiz:   The plant is to be seen at the foot of the painting.    Michelangelo was not one for filling up a space because it was there!   Does anyone know, or have a theory about it?





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8 comments:

  1. JacquiJune 20, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    Love those views - what a pity to lose them. Is oxalis not a trefoil plant - maybe signifying the Trinity? Great shadows.

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  2. Sylvia KJune 20, 2009 at 2:02 PM

    That is sad to lose such marvelous views! Great shots! I was thinking the same as Jacqui, that the oxalis is trefoil plant??? Have a great weekend!

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  3. The Summer Kitchen GirlsJune 20, 2009 at 7:52 PM

    Bummer that you lost your view! Love that plant - as far as the answer to your question? We'd guess with Jacqui - we don't recall anything from all of those art history classes we took!

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  4. Hey HarrietJune 20, 2009 at 8:22 PM

    I like that Oxalis plant. What unusual shaped leaves it has! Sorry you've lost that magnificent view! Regarding your question, I have no theory and no clue I'm afraid... it will be interesting to see what others say.

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  5. SouthLakesMomJune 21, 2009 at 1:17 PM

    Yes, it's a trefoil, representing the holy trinity. It is amazing how much symbology was painted into the renaissance artwork. For a mostly pre-literate society, it was the way to communicate the truths of the day! So much has been lost over time too. I also mourn the loss of your view. Nice photo, thanks for sharing.

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  6. srpJune 21, 2009 at 1:46 PM

    Wonderful shadow shot.. I love this plant.. great idea for an addition to the sun room.

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  7. Rinkly RimesJune 21, 2009 at 7:11 PM

    It's wonderful how the translation from green to black, because of the shadow, adds a dramatic touch.

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  8. Margaret GosdenJune 23, 2009 at 9:40 AM

    Thank you Jacqui, Sylvia K, and SouthLakesMom, for your interesting observations. I have since done a little research (not a lot!) and hope to amplify on Michelangelo's inclusion of the oxalis plant shown close to the Madonna's feet - your suggestions very helpful in pointing out that the plant is trefoil, representing the holy trinity.

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JANUS - looking backwards and forwards is a Janus trait - for me a way to record the "in between thought", whether in retrospect, or as a notion for the future. I make original prints, currently etchings. I sometimes write and take photographs. I am inspired by what I see and read. Although postings are chronologically recorded by date and time in this protocol, the images exhibited, often seen in different stages of production, are from another time. So, with each new posting, earlier postings can undergo revision or amplification as will be noted, or requested. The addition of a SNAPSHOTS Blog and a VIRGINIA WOOLF Blog are included because my different interests tend to influence what I do as an artist. There will be a Family Blog, too, for the same reason.