I was recently at Chateau Valençay, the country seat of France's greatest statesman, the charismatic "lame devil" Prince Maurice de Talleyrand, an 18th century man of refined taste and style. In his leisure the prince of diplomats was much interested in art, design, and modern technology.
I have said elsewhere that could he time-travel, after orientation and study of modern history, the pragmatic and far-seeing Talleyrand would be a far cannier advisor to western leaders grappling with the problems of Putin, China, and the Middle East, than anyone now living. He would today, I think, have furnished his magnificent palace with at least one salon, and perhaps added a guest-house, in the Art Deco style.
Apologies for my slow response! I am a Talleyrand admirer myself – it's difficult not to be, given the sheer cunning and political agility he displayed. And I agree, definitely an Art Deco man!
An exceptional interview that Lech Walesa, the man who had never read a single book but thought and spoke as if he had the essential books of the world in mind, gave to journalist Oriana Fallaci in 1981, in Gdansk, ended with the following sentence: “if I get to Heaven, I will save a place for you.”
For the splendid decorations of the facade of the Chanin building, their designer, Chambellan, has certainly gotten to Heaven. In 50 years – or maybe more, if we become Methuselahs again – they will be joined by Franz von Holzhausen, the extremely inspired designer at Tesla.
I was recently at Chateau Valençay, the country seat of France's greatest statesman, the charismatic "lame devil" Prince Maurice de Talleyrand, an 18th century man of refined taste and style. In his leisure the prince of diplomats was much interested in art, design, and modern technology.
I have said elsewhere that could he time-travel, after orientation and study of modern history, the pragmatic and far-seeing Talleyrand would be a far cannier advisor to western leaders grappling with the problems of Putin, China, and the Middle East, than anyone now living. He would today, I think, have furnished his magnificent palace with at least one salon, and perhaps added a guest-house, in the Art Deco style.
Apologies for my slow response! I am a Talleyrand admirer myself – it's difficult not to be, given the sheer cunning and political agility he displayed. And I agree, definitely an Art Deco man!
An exceptional interview that Lech Walesa, the man who had never read a single book but thought and spoke as if he had the essential books of the world in mind, gave to journalist Oriana Fallaci in 1981, in Gdansk, ended with the following sentence: “if I get to Heaven, I will save a place for you.”
For the splendid decorations of the facade of the Chanin building, their designer, Chambellan, has certainly gotten to Heaven. In 50 years – or maybe more, if we become Methuselahs again – they will be joined by Franz von Holzhausen, the extremely inspired designer at Tesla.
There is so much need for art...
If I ever start a religion, this will be one its tenets: beauty is divine, and God smiles on those who bring it into the world.
Oh, yes! You can count on me. I gladly join the many future believers.