LDV 'A cloudburst' ...part 4

 Leonardo Da Vinci’s, A cloudburst of material possessions c1506-12 

Black chalk pen and ink (part 4)

There is a lion prowling in the clouds at top left, its head in two positions, and the note above, ‘on this side Adam, on that, Eve’ (see part 2).

I was only able to see the second face (Eve, on the right), by superimposing yellow Brolly fabric (and lightening the saturation) on this area.  I have now done the same to what looks like two other facial features.

The facial features on the right side seem to include three blended elements:

• A Lady’s head facing to the left.
• A Man’ head facing to the right eyes looking down
• Part of the Lady’s face doubles as a heart shape and the man’s beard

What a genius!

Perhaps this is the Adam and Eve reference intended rather than the images on the left side of 
the sketch (see part 1)

Yellow Brolly fabric has been superimposed and made semi-transparent on this section.

Easter 2024

Happy Easter Season 

A Resurrection Bible reading

“1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre,bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

8 And they remembered his words,

9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.”

Gospel of Luke KJV c24 v1-12

The illustration has been composed on black umbrella fabric.

LDV 'A cloudburst' ...part 3

Leonardo Da Vinci’s, A cloudburst of material possessions c1506 -12 

Black chalk pen and ink (part 3)

There is a lion prowling in the clouds at the top left, its head in two positions, and the note above, ‘on this side Adam, on that, Eve’ (see part 2).

I was only able to see the second face (Eve, on the right), by superimposing yellow Brolly fabric (and lightening the saturation) on this section.  I have now done the same to what looks like two other facial features on the right.

The upper right side of the drawing seems to include rock like structures too.  Some say that Leonardo spent time in a cave in his youth, perhaps for contemplative moments and more. Maybe this sketch has multiple dimensions to it.

LDV 'A cloudburst' ... part 2

Leonardo Da Vinci’s, A cloudburst of material possessions c1506 -12 

Black chalk pen and ink (part 2)

There is a lion prowling in the clouds at top left, its head in two positions, and the note above, ‘on this side Adam, on that, Eve’.
I was only able to see the second face (Eve, on the right), by superimposing yellow Brolly fabric on this section.

Throughout history much have been made about the lion:

•  Biblical references
•  Emperor Haile Selassie / Lion of Judah
•  Hunting of the lion during various eras in time
•  C S Lewis in his Chronicles of Narnia series
•  Films and theatre productions  e.g. the Lion King and The Wizard of Oz
•  There are over 15 countries with a lion in their national flag

Leonardo Da Vinci’s, A cloudburst ...

1st Sunday of Lent

Leonardo Da Vinci’s, A cloudburst of material possessions c1506 -12 
Black chalk pen and ink

"From thunderclouds a deluge of objects fall to earth – rakes, ladders, lanterns, bagpipes, shears, spectacles and so on – and written below  is the lament 'Oh human misery, how many things you must serve for money.'

What might be a straightforward allegory of human materialism is complicated by a lion prowling in the clouds at top left, its head in two positions and the note above, ‘on this side Adam, on that, Eve’. If related to the drawing, the note might suggest the labours that mankind was subjectedto after the Fall, contrasted with the unencumbered nobility of the lion"

Text adapted from Leonardo da Vinci: A life in drawing, Martin Clayton, 2018

I was only able to see the second face (Eve, on the right of the lion), by superimposing yellow Brolly fabric on this section.

Original Valentine's day story

 Happy Valentine's Day

Saint Valentine of Italy was born in 226AD Temi, Italy and died 14 February 269AD in Rome.  

The most famous miracle attributed to St Valentine is believed to have happened via a letter he sent to a blind girl.  The girl miraculously gained her sight to read the note.

In modern times, some people exchange cards and gifts such as flowers, chocolates and have a special meal to mark the occasion as a token gesture of love!

Some drinks that are good for the heart include: water, beetroot juice and carrot juice.  Healthy heart foods include: tomatoes, bell peppers, grapes and dark chocolate.

The red and yellows aspects of the sample artwork below are made from a broken umbrella.

Leonardo Da Vinci’s dog and eagle c1508-10 (part 4)

 Leonardo Da Vinci’s dog and eagle c1508-10 (part 4)

One of my interpretations of the contents of this chalk drawing.

The odd bit of this drawing is what looks like a tree sticking out of the left (or even west side of the globe). The tree in the boat is full of foliage so perhaps part of the vision is showing the possibility of transporting a tree from one part of the world (west), to another indicating that it will grow elsewhere.  Another inference is that a tree coming from the west needs to be planted on the west side of the recipient country.

Leonardo also did cartography.  There are also possible links with Christopher Columbus.

LDV Dog and Eagle Sketch (part 3)

Leonardo Da Vinci’s dog and eagle c1508-10 (part 3)

One of my interpretation of the contents of this chalk drawing.

This is possibly a vision or dream that Leonardo Da Vinci had.  Over the centuries, people have been encouraged to illustrate what they see in their dreams.  

The flying Creature.
In the biblical book of Ezekiel 1, he had a vision that refers to mystical flying creatures.  Ezekiel describes what he sees in detail and concludes:

‘This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. ’ Ezekiel c1 v28 KJV

The biblical evangelist John is also represented as an Eagle, due to it being a symbol of that which comes from above and in his Revelation, seeing beyond what is immediately present.

Dog
The dog, possibly an Alsatian shepherd dog, looks as though it is in obedience to the eagle, willing to be guided by it’s light.  The light shining from the eagle’s chest is directed to the compass.  Therefore energy and guidance is being provided by this being.

The boat
The style of boat resembles that of a cedar wooden boat made for one person – or to be steered by one person in particular.

Tree 
The tree could be an inference to ‘Jesse Tree’ related to the ancestry of King David or the Tree of Life as stated in the book of Revelation.

I have superimposed a yellow brolly fabric on the sail section of the drawing.

LDV Dog and Eagle Allegory (part 2)

 Leonardo Da Vinci’s dog and an eagle c1508-10 (part 2)

This illustration is described as Leonardo's ‘most highly finished chalk drawing, though it’s purpose is unknown and the allegorical subject has received many different interpretations’.

Leonardo was living in French occupied Milan when he did this drawing.  The allegorical subject has received numerous interpretations as listed below:

‘ The glorious eagle bestriding the earth wears a French crown with fleurs-de-lys, and must stand for the King of France.

• the animal in the boat is sometimes seen as a wolf representing the Pope, guiding the ‘ship of the Church’ (navis ecclesiae)  with a tree for a mast.
• It has been seen as an allegory of the alliance between Pope Leo X and Francis I in 1515
• the marriage of Giuliano de’ Medici (Leonardo’s patron in Rome) and Philiberta of Savoy in 1516
• Ludovico Sforza fleeing to the protection of the Holy Roman Emperor in 1499
• Alexander VI cowering before the conquering Charles VIII in 1494 
• even as an allegory of canalisation projects in Lombardy.

The style of the landscape is that of the years around 1510, and the idea of a compass in turbulent waters remaining fixed on the glory of France.

The animal in the boat is therefore presumably a dog, for fidelity, and the allegory expresses faithful devotion towards the King of France. Only the tree-mast is mysterious, though it could be a personal device of the patron. ’

Text adapted from Leonardo da Vinci: A life in drawing, Martin Clayton, 2018

I have superimposed a yellow brolly fabric on the sail section and adjusted the tone (see part 1, 03Jan24).

LDV Dog and Eagle Sketch (part 1)

 Leonardo Da Vinci’s Dog and Eagle drawing c1508-10 (part 1)

This illustration is described as his, ‘most highly finished chalk drawing, though it’s purpose is unknown and the allegorical subject has received many different interpretations’.

Now, I’ve looked at this image a number of times and here are some initial questions. 

• Why is there a dog navigating a boat without oars?
• The circular dial in the boat – it looks like a burralo ariel angle device
• Where is this coastline?
• What sort of tree is this?
• Who / what runs the world that the eagle stands on?

I have superimposed a piece yellow brolly fabric on the sail section below.  Interestingly, on the original drawing, the upper section of the sail is almost transparent (showing part of the tree).

Christmas

 

December 2023

 

Same message, just search for foods with vitamin C, D and Zinc. Choose the fruits and vegetables etc that suit you and incorporate them in your weekly meals.

Check health sites for recommended amounts and increase them if you are being very physical.

Review what nobel prize winner Linus Pauling had to say about Vitamin C and the common cold and flu too.

 Advent Season

Over the centuries, the Advent wreath featuring 5 candles has come to represent variations of similar themes.  In some churches, one candle is lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas day.

1. The Patriarchs in faith -  Hope  
2. The Prophets - Faith
3. John the Baptist / Gaudete - Joy  
(also for those who are fasting over the period, refreshment day)
4. Mary and Joseph / Annunciation - Love
5. Christmas Day Candle / White 

In the arrangement shown above, the background and outer candles are created from brolly fabric and the central one from a piece of cardboard.   As I do not have any holly in the garden, I have used the rosemary herb for the circular effect.  Furthermore I find rosemary easier to work with as it:

 - has a pleasant scent
-  is not prickly like the holly
-  can be washed and used in teas / cooking / cosmetics afterwards!

Advent song: Christmas is Coming

Another Advent explanation

LDV Measuring Cup? sketch

LDV Measuring Cup? Sketch

Adaptation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Measuring Cup’ sketch (c1490)

One of the pictorial puns in the Leonardo Da Vinci’s collection is a sketch of what the author(s) describes as a measuring cup (mina).  For me, the sketch looks more like a liquid dispenser with some lettering on it.

A bible verse also comes to mind…

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”   Luke 6:38 NIV

This sketch, is produced on a piece of pink brolly fabric.

LDV Mana Sketch

LDV Manna Sketch

Adaptation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Mana’ sketch (c1490)

One of the pictorial puns in the Leonardo Da Vinci’s collection is a sketch of what looks like some flora. The text in the book refers to the item as ‘an am’, with a little pictorial fish in the middle. The text under the sketch looks more like:

Some people believe that Leonardo wrote backwards / did mirror writing. I have added what that might look like using the online https://www.dcode.fr/mirror-writing tool.

So for me, the text equates to ‘manna’, a form of nourishment sent as a gift from God to feed the people who were lead by Moses.  

“And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.” Exodus c16 v15 KJV

“And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.” Exodus c16 v31 KJV

The fish symbol was used by early Christians after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

‘The fish symbol served as a secret form of communication. Often the persecuted Christians would scratch this symbol on the ground to identify themselves to fellow believers’.  Google

This sketch, is produced on a piece of blue brolly fabric.

LDV Wheat? Sketch

LDV Wheat? Sketch

Adaptation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Wheat’ sketch (c1490)

One of the pictorial puns in the Leonardo Da Vinci’s collection is a sketch of what the author(s) describes as wheat.  To me, the sketch looks more like an insect’s face with random lines and a wave!  

This sketch, is produced on a piece of green brolly fabric.

LDV Anchor Sketch

Anchor Sketch

Adaptation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Anchor’ sketch (c1490)

One of the pictorial puns in the Leonardo Da Vinci’s collection is a sketch of what looks like an anchor. The text in the book refers to the item as ‘ancora’. The writing under the sketch looks more like:

  

The anchor sketch below is produced on a piece of purple brolly fabric.

LDV Arches Sketch

Adaptation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Arches’ sketch (c1490)

One of the pictorial puns in the Leonardo Da Vinci’s collection is a sketch of what looks like a bridge and in the book’s text is described as "two sections of an arch (dime, in Milanese dialect)".

Although, at first glance it looks like a croissant with a blob of jam in the centre!   On reflection it could be the entrance to a tunnel or cave and the ‘dime’ could possibly be code for diamond! Perhaps alluding to a diamond / crystal mine.

This sketch, is produced on a piece of pink brolly fabric.

Branch?

Adaptation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Branch’ sketch (c1490)

One of the pictorial puns in the Leonardo Da Vinci’s collection is a sketch of what looks like a branch and in the book’s text is described as a branch, ella.

According to google translate the word for branch is ramus (Latin) or roma (Italian) – or anything but ella.

However, to me at first glance it looks like flying creature with long wings in the shape of an olive leaf!  

This sketch, is produced on a piece of green brolly fabric.

LDV Pine Cone

Pine Cone

Adaptation of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Pine Cone’ sketch (c1490)

One of the pictorial puns in the Leonardo Da Vinci’s collection is a sketch of a closed pine cone.  Fallen pine cones tend to close up when wet and open up dry.  To the left of the sketch are what look the letters
A T.

Ta pigna = Pine cone

Some people believe that Leonardo wrote backwards / did mirror writing. I have added what that might look like using the online

https://www.dcode.fr/mirror-writing tool.

This sketch, (open pine cone) is produced on a piece of yellow brolly fabric.