Tonight's photo: "The Offerings Of War" One of two equestrian statues outside the Art Gallery of NSW. Taking the photo was easy - trying to get up again wasn't!Dick Cheney is thankfully spending his last night in Sydney - much to the relief of pissed off locals who resent both his presence and the chaos he and his 250 strong entourage have caused, so I thought this photo was quite appropriate.
There are two equestrian statues outside our art gallery - both by the English sculptor Gilbert Bayes. They were commissioned in 1916 from 18 inch bronzed plaster models, submitted in 1915. Cast in London, dated 1923, and finally erected in 1926. Hey - this is Sydney, nothing gets done without a prolonged debate!
The statue in the photo is titled "The Offerings of War". War holds a staff topped by a figure of Winged Victory. He also holds a bundle of swords and broken spear shafts. If at least one person would like to see the other - The Offerings of Peace, I can post that tomorrow.
The inscription beneath The Offerings of Peace reads "The real and lasting victories are those of peace and not of war".
Peace offers the Arts and Plenty. These are represented by Greek comic and tragic masks, a lyre and some fruits.
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A "no-blog" day today (the blog is now published every other day) but back again tomorrow.
Wherever you may be - be safe!
