When I have time and the weather permits, I take the underground and soon arrive at Schloss Charlottenburg. Here I can walk through the beautiful Baroque Garden - the first in Germany, and copied from Versailles (I wrote about that in another blog post). And everytime I visit the little island, where, very hidden, you find the bust of Queen Luise of Prussia (1776 - 1810), wife of King Wilhelm III.
Oh no, I'm not a "fan", far from it - though in her time she was so beloved by people that it was almost a cult - (you find justified critical voices too, one could discuss for hours) - but when I come to the bust I am only interested in the way some "fans" decorate her in accordance with the season. Above you see the "early spring-version" - here you see "summer":
I think that that is a lovely thing to do Britta .... both going to the garden's and the decorating of the bust. I think that we should adopt that particular tradition .... can you imagine all of the statues in London, decorated for Easter ?!!! I think it would make a beautiful sight. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI see us both, Jackie: climbing up to Nelson's Column with green laurel wreath in our hands! Yes - it would be a lovely thing to do adorning all statues! XXXX
DeleteThis took me back. When I was a little girl I would spend time in the summer with my aunt who was Mother Superior of a convent. There wasn't much for a little girl to do but there was a statue of a saint in the garden and I spent hours decorating her with roses and daisies and whatever else I could find.
ReplyDeleteMemory is such a sweet thing! I imagine you in that convent, Pondside - which has a very special atmosphere. I think it is a very good thing for a child to have time and silence to listen to its own ideas and become creative - as you are very much in your writing.
DeleteSo much nicer than moustaches on political posters. I would be inclined to knit her a little shawl.
ReplyDeleteAnd she could use it very well, Mise, and a little cap (or better: earmuffs - so her crown can still shine. (And do use pink wool, please!)
DeleteWhat a colourful post Britta! The flowers look pretty on her - reminds me a lot of Madonna statues that are worshipped in a similar way. Mise, that is so funny! Greetings Maria x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maria! The comparison with a Madonna is very apt: people said of her that she was an endurer. And I think that her face always looks a little sad.
DeleteI love Madonna statues very much - and took a photo of a very special one in Rome last year (I hope to show it soon in a post). Greetings Britta x
How lovely. I am amazed at the inventiveness used to decorate the statue.
ReplyDeleteYes, Emma - and I have never found out who does it! The decorations are often very skilful - in the first photo someone used long catkins like earrings - great!
DeleteI like taking photos. I'll keep an eye out for more "nature's jewelry".
ReplyDeleteTaking photos is a very good way to look in a mindful way. Might write a post about that.
DeleteWell I never thought to decorate a statue with gifts of the season...perhaps I'll give it a try. Photos coming soon!
ReplyDeleteMe neither, Susan - not even yesterday... but now I look at a small statue with a meditative eye...
DeleteInterested in your photos!
Like Susan perhaps I should give 'my lady in the garden' some of nature's jewels too - watch this space.
ReplyDeleteI am on the look-out, Rosemary - the idea is fascinating (especially if a garden is in full bloom - or better: a few bought flowers that will highten the attention while the garden is still dormant).
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