Poop Shute

To me, one of Englad's greatest features is that almost ALL the museums are free admission. I mean they have a donation box in the lobby that I would throw some change in, but I didn't even have to do that much if I didn't want to. It's an arty, young, poor guy's dream come true.





This is a sketch of a bust of an ancient statue. It used to be part of an eight foot tall statue erected in honor of Ptolemy, but this is all that remains. It's funny; as I was sitting there sketching this breath-taking sculpture a lady walked up and read the plack on the pedastal for about a half a second, and then waved her hand dismissively and made a sour face and walked away.

I hate to make generalizations, BUT by the way she was dressed, and by her accent (she was talking with a young boy) she was clearly from America and clearly deep south trash.

If Ptolemy does not impress her, I can't help but wonder what the hell does. The man was a general to one of the greatest conquerors in history; Alexander The Great. He united Macedon, Greece, Persia, and Egypt; all the way to the borders of modern India. The man had a dynasty named after him and had statues of him made that survive even today, about 2300 years after his death. So, again, if this does not her impress, what the hell does? And more importantly, why did she bother going to the British Museum at all?




This is a sketch of a brass statue designed by Rene Magritte in 1967. This character is called The Healer, and appeared in many of Magritte's works over the years. At some point in his life he had a photo of himself taken in this exact pose with a canvas in place of the birdcage. Just before he died he oversaw the production of the mold for this statue, but sadly didn't live to see it cast.





The label on this piece read "Bust of an Unknown Man." Scholars say it was sculpted approximately between 1550-1575. Over the years it has been associated with nearly every sculptor of the Venetian Renaissance, but has never been officially attributed.

This piece was my favorite. I just loved the intensity of the eyes, and the mystery of it. Who was this guy? What was he thinking when he sat for this? And who did he sit for? I started making up little stories... but nothing worth putting down here.

That's it for today. More pics and stories tomorrow...

Probably for the next few days too.