My hands

[smokingboot]

I am not at ease.

But my hands have been full of rosemary, fresh garlic, and very good olive oil. The smell brings comfort to me.

Here's a painting I always enjoy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_a_Roman_Osteria#/media/File:Carl_Bloch_-_In_a_Roman_Osteria_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg
There's something about it that intrigues me. I love the expressions, particularly the slightly sly face of the unmarried lady. Compared to the work it is thought to echo (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Italian_Osteria_Scene,_Girl_welcoming_a_Person_entering,_by_Wilhelm_Marstrand_-_Ny_Carlsberg_Glyptotek_-_Copenhagen_-_DSC09271.JPG) it's almost troubling. Marstrand goes into an Osteria and is greeted by doe-eyed beauties inviting his company. Bloch goes in and alienates everybody. Did he stare too long or abruptly fart? What did he do?

Comments

[mallorys_camera]

Huh! That hat the man is wearing looks a lot like a yarmulke (though larger.)

[smokingboot]

I never thought of that!

There is certainly a Jewish reference in the picture. Of the three gents sitting at the back, the one with his back to us is the painter, and I think the guy facing him and us is his patron who commissioned the painting, Moritz Gerson Melchior.

But now that I look at it, my eyes keep alighting on the judging cat!

[mallorys_camera]

Yes, that cat def has a most peculiar expression on its face. 😀