Thursday, November 17, 2022

Fatidica

Our new favorite at the Lady Lever Gallery:
Fatidica (1893 - 94)
by Frederick Leighton (1830 - 1896)

There is so much more to learn about this Roman goddess, known for using her prophetic powers on behalf of women.

In my research, I came across the following poem, which is not about the Goddess Faditica yet seems so appropriate to her expression of world - weariness and forebearance!

The Goddess Who Created This Passing World

The Goddess who created this passing world
Said Let there be lightbulbs & liquefaction
Life spilled out onto the street, colors whirled
Cars & the variously shod feet were born
And the past & future & I born too
Light as airmail paper away she flew
To Annapurna or Mt. McKinley
Or both but instantly
Clarified, composed, forever was I
Meant by her to recognize a painting
As beautiful or a movie stunning
And to adore the finitude of words
And understand as surfaces my dreams
Know the eye the organ of affection
And depths to be inflections
Of her voice & wrist & smile


Alice Notley (b 1945)
P.S.
1. Happy Birthday Nikki!

2. How to purchase a poster.

3. Not forgetting The Moorish Chief

4. The Beautiful Lady Lever

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