Consideration

There were many more people out enjoying the sunshine than I have seen for a few weeks. Most were pleasant and civilised but there were a few "covidiots." 

As I was walking along a narrow footpath beside a fairly busy road, two people were approaching me. I looked behind, saw that the road was clear for at least 200 metres.  I was beside a 30mph speed limit sign. I stepped into the road to ensure at least 2 metres of separation, walked quickly past the two people and then back onto the footpath.  Just as I did that, a car sped by at about 45mph sounding its horn at me.  The poor tuppence probably had had to slow down.  I made a gesture which tried to convey the messages: what was I supposed to do? Slow down and grow-up you selfish rascal. Or something like that.

Anyway, enough of such lockdown loathing. A first listen to an album suggested to me by Martin: "The Boxing Mirror" by Texan musician Alejandro Escovedo.  My favourite track was Sacramento and Polk.

Today's painting is possibly one of the world's most famous - The Night Watch (1642) by Rembrandt.  I have seen this huge work twice, once before and once after the renovation of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.  Its new setting is so much better.

The painting was originally much larger but was cropped quite severely in the 18th century.  It was also kept in a rather dark condition, as successive restorers were over-affected by the word "night" in the familiar title. In fact it was originally called The Company of Frans Banning Cocq and Willem van Ruytenburch. The painting is currently undergoing an extensive restoration which will reveal its original light and colour.  Another gallery to revisit as soon as "all this" is over.