Growth

Apparently, it is Monday today. Just as well I remembered that in time for a scheduled call at 3pm, as a result of which tomorrow will involves some actual, old-fashioned work.  From home and unpaid but some sort of normality.

A previously unheard album by an old favourite - Neil Young & Crazy Horse with "Rust Never Sleeps" and on which my favourite track is the first one - My, My, Hey, Hey (Out of the Blue.)

Jan Steen painted his picture of a rich man sitting in the street - A Burgher of Delft and his Daughter" in 1655. The title has been debated over the centuries - it was once thought, without any evidence, that the main character was a former Mayor of Delft. It shows a prosperous man, sitting on the raised threshold of his house, known as a stoep, considering whether to give money to a beggar.  

His position and what we today call "body language" amount to one of Steen's great achievements, in observing and depicting human behaviour. Having the back of his right hand, rather than its palm, on his thigh brings his elbow forward and, with his knees apart, makes him seem broader and of more substance.  The position of his feet demonstrates ownership of the plot. His right foot, below his angled elbow may be ready for action or just playful.  

The note in his left hand was probably the beggar's permit.  Beggars who were resident in the municipality would be permitted to ask for alms whereas those from outside were not.  The burgher seems to be mulling it over, deciding carefully whether to meet her request.  Such deliberation was considered to be a civic virtue and duty, as unreflecting charity might benefit frauds, especially from dreaded outsiders.