Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. At the age of 23, Michelangelo Buonarotti was hired to carve a funerary sculpture for the eventual tomb of French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères. What the young artist created—between 1498 and 1499—is amongst the most beautiful of all sculptures ever carved. In the 1700's, it was moved from the Cardinal's tomb and given pride-of-place in the first side chapel on the right as one enters Saint Peter's Basilica. Pietà means "The Pity," and this arrangement—of Jesus in his mother's lap—was previously unknown in Italian sculpture. The idealized yet naturalistic composition conveys the sensation of weight and substance. It...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. While Michelangelo is my all time favorite artist, perhaps Gian Lorenzo Bernini is my second-favorite sculptor. He was born 34 years after Michelangelo's death and his work defines the motion (and emotion) of Italian Baroque marble sculpting. But Bernini was also an architect. He is responsible for creating the "welcoming arms" of the Piazza San Pietro—the two colonnades which line the sides (and define the shape of) the Basilica's massive front square. A church has been maintained on this site since the early 300's AD. From 1506 to 1626, Saint Peter's Basilica as we know it was...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. The bridge crossing the Tevere (or Tiber River), shown above, is called Ponte Sisto. It connects the Jewish Quarter (where I stay) to Trastevere, the new "Williamsburg of Rome." It was commissioned by Pope Sixtus (hence the name), and was built from 1473 to 1479. What's most important about the photo, however, is the beautiful dome glimmering in the background. It was designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti—the world's greatest sculptor—in 1547 and work was begun under his supervision. At the time of Michelangelo's death (in 1564), the lower "drum" had been completed. Pope Sixtus assigned Giacomo della Porta to...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. Rome is "The Eternal City," and I never get tired of visiting her. What more dramatic symbol to mark my arrival than the Roman Colosseum? But, as beautiful a work of sculpture as il Colosseo remains, it does have a sordid, disturbing history. The Colosseum was built between 72 and 80 AD, and underwent various modifications in the century after that. Constructed of travertine limestone, volcanic tuff, and brick-clad cement, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built. Unlike typical Greek or Roman amphitheaters which were usually built-into a hillside, the Colosseum is a completely free-standing, oval structure....
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. Lucca is a handsome, human-scaled Tuscan city, still encircled by its original Renaissance era brick wall. It is also the birthplace of composer Giaccomo Puccini (1858-1924) who wrote popular operas including La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot. Puccini was one of nine children and he was raised in a family with music in its blood. His father (and grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather) was the "Maestro di Capella" at Lucca's Cathedral of San Martino (since the Middle Ages, an important stop for pilgrims working their way to Rome). Little Giaccomo probably would have followed in his forefathers' footsteps...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. My time is Genova was wonderful—a surprisingly interesting time in a city bustling with a rich, muscular energy. Although the city is not one of Italy's "top draws" for tourists, there is certainly plenty to see: a generous helping of "aesthetic evidence" of Genova's multiple centuries as a top player in the international world of shipping, finance and trade. Walking the streets of the city, one realizes that Genova did not develop itself through high-minded callings like academics, religion or artistic patronage. Genova built itself through hard work and industry. As a visitor, I felt like I...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. If ever sculpture and architecture were to marry, an "Atlas" would be their progeny. An atlas is an architectural support structure—like a column, pier or pilaster—presented in the form of the male figure (usually his top half). In Greek mythology, Atlas is the character who was required to forever hold-up the sky on his shoulders. The plural form is "Atlantes" and Romans called them "Telemon." They were first utilized in Greek Sicily and Southern Italy. Later, during the late Renaissance, they were revived, this time with Mannerist (twisting) or Baroque attitudes. Atlantes were almost always at least...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. Genova was amongst the World's richest and most powerful port cities during the 1400's - 1600's, resulting in no shortage of beautiful and impressive architecture dating to this period. Genova's cathedral, dedicated to San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence), was a beneficiary of the communities wealth—specifically the largesse of wealthy trading and banking families. Although it was built in the 12th - 14th Centuries, wealthy patrons continued to "update" the interiors in later years. Shown above, a detail of stonework framing one of the front doors. A mix of colorful, exotic materials all work together to create a harmonious...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. Genova—called "la Superba"—is a muscular and bustling port city along the Northern Mediterranean coast of Italy. From the Middle Ages, Genova profited from brisk International trade within the Mediterranean (and eventually beyond) and, as a result, became a World center of banking and finance from the early 1400's. Though the city saw continued industrial growth into the Twentieth Century, the city is replete with landmarks and shrines to its previous world-dominating wealth. Even today, the port of Genova is Italy's busiest and also the most important on the Mediterranean. Iconic seamen, Christopher Columbus and Andrea Doria, were...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. Sorrento is a seaside town, built on the cliffs along the Amalfi Coast, on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Lemons are to be found everywhere and numerous small shops sell limoncello and all manner of soaps, potions and foodstuffs made from the tangy citrus fruit. While not quite as fancy as Taormina (in Sicily), Sorrento has nonetheless been popular with European visitors since the Nineteenth Century, hosting the likes of Lord Byron, John Keats, J.W. von Goethe, Charles Dickens, Richard Wagner, Henrik Ibsen, Friedrich Nietzsche, Enricco Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti. The beautifully carved stone lion head, shown above, anchors the...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. We sailed from Athens to Sicily, an interesting route considering how important the island was to the Ancient Greek Empire. Due to its considerable size (it's the largest island in the Mediterranean) and strategic position, many conquering armies came and went over the centuries: the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Germans, French, Spanish, Neapolitans and, eventually, unified Italy. The city of Syracuse—enriched by trade under the Greeks—rivaled Athens in size and beauty. The doorway pictured above, on the side of the Duomo di Taormina, could certainly be called "sculpture." The cathedral, named after Saint Nicholas, was built around 1400, over...
Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish. We landed in Athens (which, yes, I know, is not in Italy) to spend a couple of days re-visiting some of our favorite sites. Athens (and the whole of Greece) had a tremendous impact on Roman culture and aesthetic sensibilities. Much of Ancient Rome's best architecture and sculpture was inspired by (if not a copy of) earlier Greek masterpieces. The photo above shows the Acropolis of Athens—truly a "Shining City on a Hill"— as seen from atop the Areopagus, (known as Mars Hill). The word "Acropolis" combines the root words for "highest point" + "city." Although this...
LEO Design will be on an Early Summer Holiday through 18 June. Any purchases made on-line will be filled on the 19th. Happy Summer!
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248
Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts"
Follow us on Facebook: "LEO Design - Handsome Gifts"
Wishing a Happy Easter and Happy Passover to my LEO Design customers. May the renewal of Spring remind you that, yes, things do get better!
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248
Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts"
Follow us on Facebook: "LEO Design - Handsome Gifts"
The number 413 will always be special to me. It was at 413 Bleecker Street—in the Summer of 1995—that LEO Design was born. We opened our doors in August (naturally, during the sun sign LEO) at a time when Bleecker Street still teemed with interesting, unusual and creative Mom & Pop shops. This storefront was our den for 15 years. During that time, we saw the street change—and we pined as the small and unique stores were replaced by large corporate-owned chainstores (many of which have since left when they realized that their sales did not justify the inflated rents). In 2010, it was our turn; we were booted-out and replaced by a large, corporate-owned, blue chip "brand." Needless to say, they...
The Pond—Moonlight (detail) by Edward Steichen (1904) On this day in 1879, Éduard Jean Stiechen was born in Luxembourg. Éduard would eventually become an American, changing his name to Edward and would make tremendous contributions to the field of art photography. His photo, “The Pond—Moonlight” (detail shown above), shot on a friend’s property in Mamaroneck, NY, would […]
Though William Morris designed and produced many different types of home furnishings, the public best remembers him for his wall paper. Morris & Co. made nearly 100 patterns, half of them designed by William Morris himself. Additionally, patterns were sometimes offered in several color ways. Funnily enough, Morris didn’t really like wall paper! He considered […]
William Morris, probably England’s most-influential Nineteenth Century designer, was born on this day in 1834. With two other members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood—artist Edward Burne-Jones and painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti—William Morris started the design firm that would one day become “Morris & Co.”. Morris & Co. designed homes and churches, plus they designed and produced […]
I've dragged many a treasure through my shop doors at LEO Design—but none more precious to me than Benji, my "Shop Pup." Today is his sixth birthday! Benji spent many an hour monitoring the store from behind the cash wrap. Today he continues his duties: sleeping at my feet while I tend to the website, sitting in his basket as I work in my new Pittsburgh showroom. His favorite activity is overseeing the packing of shipments—with their mess of cardboard, bubblewrap and numerous balls of crumpled paper. Happy Birthday, Benji! I'm counting on many more years of your assistance! LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line...
A new year. A fresh start. And a resolution to be a patriot—to help my country more in 2019. Let's start with something that's been on my mind: it's time to Make America Good Again. You see, for me, it's more important to be Good than Great. And maybe this vintage-style baseball cap will be a little reminder. A hopeful, royal blue cap is embroidered with antique orange—an optimistic combination in anticipation of better days ahead. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts" Follow us on...
On this day in 1835, in Florida, Missouri, one of America’s great story tellers was born. Growing-up in Hannibal, MO, Samuel Langhorne Clemens—better known as Mark Twain—was immersed in the small town American life which would so richly inform his novels and stories. His books are American Classics; The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are considered amongst America’s finest, some 13 decades after being published. His characters, their relationships, and the moral lessons they learn have kept Twain’s writings popular with each emerging generation of readers. But Twain had far from an easy-going life. He bounced amongst professions (like mining and piloting Mississippi river boats) before settling on writing and lecturing. He made good money in his lifetime...
Fifty-five years ago today, our country was changed forever. Today, let's recall and give thanks for America's true leaders—the presidents who brought out the best in our Nation and its people.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.
It's easy to take one's democracy for granted. Many of us think it's "a permanent part of the scenery." But democracy hasn't always been a given—in fact, even today, many Americans struggle to cast their vote at the polls. In modern world history, democracy has been taken away from people who couldn't imagine it happening; citizens in Germany, Spain, Italy, Chile, Hungary, and many Eastern European nations lost their political voices (and many lost their lives). And lest one think that this only happened back in "the bad old days," the rise of anti-democratic factions is on the rise, worldwide. In America, though we are not immune from the Fascist manipulations of Nationalists, we do enjoy a history of embracing an...
The Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1647-52) Saint Teresa of Avila was born in Gottarrendura, Spain in 1515. After a rather normal girlhood, Teresa lost her mother, plunging the 14 year old girl into profound sadness. She developed a strengthened devotion to Mary but also took solace in “frivolous” books about knights, […]
“Narcissus” by Caravaggio, c. 1597-1599 (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Rome) 29 September seems to be a day for painters. Venetian Baroque artist Jacopo Comin (aka: Tintoretto, 1518)), Milanese bad boy Michelangelo Merisi (aka: Caravaggio, 1571), and Parisian Rococo painter François Boucher (1703) were all born on this day. Sadly, artists have left us on this […]
Seventeen years on. It's remarkable to ponder how much has changed—and yet, where has the time gone? New York and the Nation largely have bounced-back. Yet, for those who escaped with their lives—and for the survivors of those who did not—life will never be the same.
LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts"
Follow us on Facebook: "LEO Design - Handsome Gifts"
Self-portrait of the artist at the age of 24 (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) On this day in 1780, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was born to Jean-Marie-Joseph Ingres, himself a bit of an artistic dabbler and would-be Renaissance Man. With his father’s encouragement, the son would develop his skill and eventually become one of France’s most […]
Today’s the final day of Leo. Tomorrow, the sun moves into Virgo, a sure sign that summer is running its final lap. Enjoy what remains of a beautiful summer and remember: It’s always Leo at LEO Design.
On this day in 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation dissolving the Territory of Hawaii and declaring that Hawaii was now admitted into the Union. Congress had previously passed “An Act to Provide for the Admission of the State of Hawaii into the Union”—and the people of Hawaii voted (by 93%!) for statehood. […]
On this day in 1870, Congress declared Christmas a U.S. Federal Holiday. With five months to go before the start of this year’s Holiday Season, LEO Design is already writing orders, traveling to build-up inventory, and preparing for another busy December. Here’s a picture of a punched-tin Christmas sign which I just found in Western Pennsylvania and may […]
Lev Samoilovitch Rosenberg—later known as Léon Bakst—was born on this day in Grodno, Russia (which is in modern day Belarus). He grew-up in Saint Petersberg where his grandfather was a skilled tailor whose service to the Tsar was rewarded with a large house and generous wage. Though his middle-class parents didn’t encourage it, Léon was […]
If one artist is responsible for “inventing” the image of the American male in the early Twentieth Century, surely it was Joseph Christian Leyendecker, born on this day in 1874. Leyendecker was born in Montabaur, Germany and his family immigrated to Chicago when the boy was eight. In time, he got work in an engraving […]
Only one person can be “The Best Ever” and, in the world of art, that person is Michelangelo Buonarroti. Born on this day in 1475, Michelangelo was in the right place at the right time. Or, perhaps thanks to Michelangelo, his time became the right place and the right time. A sculptor, painter, architect, engineer and poet, […]
“The Skating Minister” by Henry Raeburn (1790’s) Nat’l Gallery of Scotland On this day in 1756, Henry Raeburn was born in a small Scottish village, now a part of greater Edinburgh. Orphaned very young, Henry was supported by his older brother for a while until being placed in Heriot’s Hospital, an orphanage founded by goldsmith George […]
Madame X (detail) by John Singer Sargent (1884) In 1870, a group of American businessmen, artists, and society types joined forces to establish a grand, new American art museum—its goal to bring art and culture to the American people. Perhaps they also wished to show Europe that “the new country” had the taste, money, and wherewithal […]
On this day in 1848, Louis Comfort Tiffany was born in New York City. His father, Charles Lewis Tiffany, was a jeweler and the founder of Tiffany & Co. After military schooling, Louis studied art in New York City with a concentration on painting. Soon, however, his interest was diverted by art glass and the […]
Valentinus was a third century Roman priest living during the reign of Claudius II. He aided other persecuted Christians—at a time when this was illegal—and was known especially for marrying Christian couples. Eventually, he was captured and dragged before the emperor where it seems he made a good impression, for the ruler took a liking […]
While we’re talking about Tragic Monarchs, let’s turn to England’s Charles I. On this day in 1649, King Charles I was beheaded after being convicted of High Treason. Born the second son of James I (who was already King of the Scots), Charles moved to England when his father acquired the English crown. When he […]
On this day in 1891, in Honolulu, bells tolled and cannon fired as Lili’uokalani ascended the throne, succeeding her brother who had died days before. She became the first queen to hold the Hawaiian throne by her own right, not as a “queen consort.” But getting to the throne—and staying there—was not easy. She was […]
Today it becomes official: LEO Design has a new and permanent “World Headquarters!” On a tree-lined street near the University of Pittsburgh, we have secured the house of our dreams—with space for an office and plenty of room for merchandise. In the basement, the wood-paneled Servant’s Hall will become my workshop and showroom for cleaning, […]
Standing on the sidewalk before my (soon-to-be) new home in Pittsburgh, I marvel at this wonderful 1930’s Gothic Revival (and Art Deco-ish) architectural masterpiece, the University of Pittsburgh’s “Cathedral of Learning.” Like the Empire State Building, it was opened in 1931—when it hosted its first class in one of its 2,000 rooms. It stands 535 […]
For the past 23 years—which is just a touch longer than LEO Design has resided in Greenwich Village—this has been the magnificent view which greeted me out my living room window. It never got old. Today I gazed wistfully at the scene one last time. Just an hour before, we had closed the sale of […]
Twenty-two years ago, I opened a little shop on Bleecker Street. I had no idea what I was doing. I had little idea of what I liked. And I had no idea how long this gambol would continue. What I did know was what I wanted to do: I wanted to sell “Handsome Gifts.” I […]
Time and Tide wait for no man. And the economic laws which lay-heavy on small shops (like mine) never lighten for a minute. Like with gravity, one can fight the inevitable (for a while) but, sooner or later, Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” will knock you off the table. Tomorrow is our day. It’s been a […]
The Epiphany is a Christian holiday commemorating the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, traditionally told through the story of The Three Magi. The holiday is also called “Three Kings Day” and some Christian denominations exchange gifts on this day. In England, the evening before Epiphany (5 January) is called “Twelfth Night” and Epiphany is […]
To everything there is a season. And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to build-up, a time to knock-down. A time to dance, a time to mourn. A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together. The season has passed—twenty-two of them, in fact. And so, […]
“Boy, am I glad that’s over!” Today LEO Design will be open from Noon ’til 6:00 pm. See new merchandise first! Follow us on Instagram: “leodesignhandsomegifts”
Norman Rockwell: “Freedom from Want” (1941-1943) Based on President FDR’s speech. While this image does not look like most American families—it doesn’t look like mine—I believe all Americans can aspire to (and hope for) a Freedom from Want. Wishing our LEO Design customers and staff a Happy and Relaxing Thanksgiving. We look forward to […]
Fifteen years on. It was a day on which everything changed. And, yet, some things have not changed at all. Is it possible that our worst day brought-out our best? On that day—and perhaps for a few days that followed—Americans were united as one people. But oh, what a price to pay for that unity.
On this day in 1893, a secret meeting was convened at 121 Regent Street, London. In attendance were some of Britain’s leading Arts & Crafts designers, artists and influencers: William Morris, John Ruskin, Christopher Dresser, Edward Burne-Jones, John Pearson, Archibald Knox and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. They had not been informed of the purpose of the […]
Plenty of shoveling—and one intrepid customer (so far). As it gets colder, darker and deeper, we may close early. Please call before coming (212-929-8466). And, by all means, stay safe. We’ll be open at Noon tomorrow.
Today Benji turns three! For the past two-and-a-half years, little Benji has been making occasional appearances at LEO Design—greeting customers, inspecting new arrivals, and, basically, enhancing the Handsome ambience and color scheme of the shop. When he’s not in-store, he remains at home at his other job: supervising my partner’s work as a stage scenic […]
Shanah Tovah to all and a good Rosh Hashanah! May the year 5776 be a sweet one! The name, Rosh Hashanah, roughly translated, means “head of the year,” and marks the start of the Hebrew calendar. It is the first of the High Holy Days and the date which commemorates the creation of Adam and […]
Today Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest-reigning monarch in English history, surpassing the prior title-holder, Queen Victoria. She is now also the longest-reigning female monarch in world history. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, she succeeded her father, King George VI, upon his death on 6 February 1952. She was 26. She came to the throne […]
In “the old days”—before direct-dial telephones—one would ring the operator and she would connect you to your desired party. In the event of an emergency, the operator (who was often local) would connect you with the fire department, police or a doctor (whom she happened to know was in-town at that moment). As phones became […]
The Stonewall Inn was a restaurant and bar in Greenwich Village. In 1966, three mafiosi bought the Inn and re-opened it as a gay bar. It quickly became popular because management allowed dancing—despite NYC law forbidding men dancing together. Indeed, it was illegal to even serve a drink to a “known homosexual.” The Stonewall had […]
After enduring nine months of scaffolding outside our shop, finally it has been removed, revealing a beautifully-restored nineteenth century brick building! What’s more, new shop lights over our awning provide a rosy, nighttime glow. We’re thrilled to be able to breathe again! Please stop by to see “the improved location.”
The Book of Exodus tells us the story of the Jews in Egypt—enslaved by Pharaoh—and how God freed them, to be lead-out of the desert by Moses. In the story, God inflicts ten plagues upon the Egyptians, culminating with “The Death of the First-born.” On the appointed night, the spirit of the Lord came over […]
Long considered the “gold standard” of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, Gustav Stickley is generating quite a buzz some seven decades after his death—and Stickley furniture collectors are none too happy about it! At last month’s “National Arts & Crafts Conference” in Asheville, North Carolina, the great grand nephew of Gustav Stickley was invited […]
In 1857, New York City merchant E.V. Haughwout (pronounced “How-it”) built a five story building at 488 Broadway (and Broome) to house his emporium of expensive luxury goods including antiques, silver, crystal, china, chandeliers, bronzes and other irresistible treasures. His carriage trade clientele included Mrs. Lincoln who purchased the White House’s hand-painted china at his […]
With two months of snow and freeze behind us—hopefully!—it’s worth looking-back on the poor NYC denizens of 1888. On this day of that year, after a period of unseasonably warm weather, “The Great Blizzard of 1888” struck the East Coast, dumping 50+ inches of snow on parts of the Eastern Seaboard over a three day […]
After a week of visiting my family on Kauai, I head back to New York today. I’ve had a brief reprieve from single-digit temperatures and a chance to “stretch the legs” of my camera—which is so used to tight, up-close merchandise shots. Above, a photo of Makaleha, visible from my father’s front deck. Roughly translated […]
Shop dog extraordinaire, Benji—and the rest of the LEO Design staff—wish you a Happy New Year and look-forward to seeing you in the shop in 2015. From 26 December through New Year’s Day, LEO Design is open from noon to 6:00 pm daily.
In times past, English servants were required to work on Christmas—serving the family for the holiday. Their special day was 26 December—Boxing Day—when they would receive their presents and have a day of ease. For me, I begin my next buying trip today. As you read this, I am headed to Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, […]
The Ukrainian flag flies bright and crisp—a clear blue sky over a golden wheat field. Today is Independence Day of Ukraine and it commemorates the country’s Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Celebrations are held throughout Ukraine, as well as in Brussels (capital of the European Union), Chicago, and (sometimes) in Russia. […]
On this day in 1898, Maurits Cornelius Escher was born in Leeuwarden, capital of Friesland, Northern Netherlands. Poor Maurits suffered poor health which affected his academics—he was always a poor student except when it came to art and drawing. He was accepted into The Haarlem School of Architecture and Decorative Arts, where he studied architecture […]
On this day in 1828, Anglo-Italian painter and poet Gabriel Dante Rossetti was born in London to a Sicilian father and half-Italian mother. As a young man, enchanted with the literature, art and culture of Medieval Italy, he rearranged the order of his name to Dante Gabriel Rossetti—an homage to the towering 13th Century poet. […]
Sculptor extraordinaire, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, was born on this day in 1827, in the little French village of Valenciennes, near the Belgian border. His father was a stone mason and the boy inherited his father’s talent for working with stone. Carpeaux is among the greatest sculptors of the Nineteenth Century, much-commissioned for Emperor Napoleon III and […]
On this day in 1785, Jean Rabin Audubon was born on the French colony of Saint-Domingue—now called Haiti. His father was a French naval officer who owned a sugar plantation there; his mother was the man’s mistress. The senior Audubon was an “active man”; the young Audubon grew-up amongst a number of half siblings of […]
On this day in 1917, the world was graced with the incomparably-talented Ella Fitzgerald, America’s “First Lady of Song.” A difficult childhood (and challenging final years) could not suppress Ella’s talents—or her legacy as one of the world’s greatest vocalists. Ella was born in Newport News, Virginia but soon was moved to Yonkers, New York […]
On this evening in 1913, President Woodrow Wilson flipped an electrical switch in Washington, DC, thus lighting-up the Woolworth Building in New York City. The world’s tallest skyscraper—dubbed “The Cathedral of Commerce—was officially opened! Begun in 1910, the building was originally conceived as a 20-story office building to headquarter the F. W. Woolworth Corporation. Three […]
The date 19 April 1775 marks the Battles of Lexington and Concord—the first two armed conflicts which began the American Revolutionary War. And, since 1894, Massachusetts has commemorated the day as Patriots’ Day. Costumed re-enactments are staged at Lexington Green and Concord’s Old North Bridge. And, naturally, a mounted horseman re-traces the route of Paul […]
It was just before sunrise on this day in 1387. A group of religious pilgrims gathered at the Tabard Inn in Southwark (part of modern-day Central London), about to begin their four day journey. 60 miles to the west stood their destination: The Canterbury Cathedral, specifically the shrine of Saint Thomas Beckett. Beckett, who had […]
I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils! -William Wordsworth, 1804 On this day in 1802, English poet Willam Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, were enjoying a walk around Glencoyne Bay in the Lake District in […]
In 2005, British Arts & Crafts collector Edward Smith decided he’d like to combine his two loves—his family’s (retired) Sussex, England farmland and his collection of Arts & Crafts pottery, metalwork, textiles and furniture. In a clearing amongst the trees on his property, Smith has been creating a cemetery expressly for the remains of notable […]
In the ancient Roman calendar, the “Ides” were the mid-point in a month—either the 13th or 15th, depending on the length of that particular month. Each month’s Ides were celebrated in honor of Rome’s top deity, Jupiter, and a “scapegoat” was paraded and sacrificed to that god. The Ides of March—15 March—was extra-special since March […]
Daumier’s The Third Class Carriage (detail) 1862-64 (MMA) On this day in 1808, French artist Honoré Daumier was born in Marseille. Daumier’s father, a working class tradesman with dreams of becoming a poet, moved his young son and family to Paris in pursuit of his goal. Young Honoré soon became interested in art and eventually […]
The Hagia Sophia as seen from The Sea of Marmara during my visit to Istanbul On this day in 532, Byzantine Emperor Justinian ordered that a new, grand cathedral was to be built in Constantinople. The previous church had been attacked and burned to the ground not two weeks before. Justinian was determined that the […]
We finish our three day detour through the lives of Tragic Monarchs with the death of a king’s would-be assassin, which happened on this day in 1606. Guy Fawkes was an English Catholic and part of a group who sought to restore the English throne to (in their view) its rightful, Catholic monarch. They also […]
Happy New Year”s Day! LEO Design is open today from Noon to 6:00 pm. Please visit, call, or shop in our on-line store. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2014!
Today is “Boxing Day,” the day in England (and other Commonwealth Countries) when the staff are given their gifts and given the day off. It is a public holiday in most of the British former-colonial countries. As LEO Design staff had yesterday off, we are open today: Noon ’till 6:00 pm. As for me, I […]
It’s Christmas Eve and the season will be over in a few hours. LEO Design will be closing at 8:00 pm this evening. Until then, we’re ready and happy to help you in-shop, by-phone, or on-line. Please visit, call, or view the on-line shop. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
For those who know me, I was amongst the last of the Luddites. I had to be dragged (kicking and screaming) into the on-line world. Two things precipitated my capitulation. First, I moved my shop—two blocks and a world away—and wanted my established customers to be able to find me. Web Genius Brad Soucy and […]
I am thankful for the good things in my life. My customers, my employees, and my shop certainly are amongst these blessings. Happy Thanksgiving! LEO Design is closed today as we complete our Holiday decorating. We will reopen tomorrow at noon. Here’s wishing you a Happy Holiday Season.
San Francisco de Asis by Francisco de Zurbarán, c. 1660 The Triduum of Hallowmas is a three day observance in the Catholic (and the greater Christian) church: All Hallows’ Eve (31 October), All Hallows’ Day (1 November), and All Souls’ Day (2 November). All Hallows’ Day (also known as All Saints’ Day) is when the church […]
Today I’m off on a European buying trip: first stop, London. I never know what I may find but I’ll post periodic updates from the road (or is it “the air”). Keep checking-back.
On this day in 1609, Captain Henry Hudson began exploring the river that would one day bear his name. At the time, the area was yet-to-be settled by Europeans. The Native Americans, however, had experience interacting and trading with whites in the past. It was Italian Giovanni da Verrazzano who had discovered the mouth of […]
Nijinsky in Les Orientales (1910), costumes by Bakst (Photo: Druet) For all the acclaim and artistry of The Ballets Russes, the centerpiece of the company—on stage and off—was the dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. Born in Kiev (at that time a part of Russia) to traveling Polish ballet dancers, young Waclaw Nizyinski, was trained in dance from a […]
Leon Bakst: Costume rendering of Nijinsky in “Afternoon of a Faun” (1912) After relocating the company from Russia to Paris, The Ballets Russes continued to grow in fame and ambition. Its captain, Sergei Diaghilev’s genius was in identifying and recruiting exquisite talent (dancers, composers, choreographers, and designers) and pulling from them new, wonderful, and (sometimes) shocking […]
Georges Barbier: Vaslav Nijinsky in “Afternoon of a Faun” (1913) Yesterday, in Washington D.C., I had the great fortune to see a wonderful exhibit at the National Gallery: “Diaghilev & The Ballets Russes, 1909-1929: When Art Danced with Music.” Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev (1872-1929) sampled many fields—law, music, art, publishing, art curation—before he discovered his great […]
Fifty years ago today, a 34 year old Georgia preacher mounted the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, took the microphone, and—before a crowd of more than a quarter million people—fixed his place in American history. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is considered one of the most important—and successful—orations in […]
To wrap-up this little series on “Leos in Art,” let’s return to Venice—the city of St. Mark and his lion. Last month, my partner and I ended our summer holiday with a few days in Venice. Having been there a couple of times previously, we steered-clear of the well-worn “highlights,” choked with summer tourists (including […]
