Daniel Chester French was the sculptor of the famous Lincoln Memorial statue in Washington DC. How pleasantly surprised I was to find that they made a museum and art gallery of his former home in which there was another Lincoln statue of his displayed.
The Lincoln Memorial is internationally famous and people come from far and wide. Movies incorporate it into their stories. Yes, here I was getting to admire his work in a quiet setting amongst beautiful gardens. I shared this point with a young stranger who said “yep. That’s how it is“ as he walked away not nearly as impressed.
The venue also was displaying sculptures from other artists about with a defy balancing theme. while I don’t often ponder art for long, many of them related to a philosophy book I read as a child, the Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus teaching us to never back down as we seek to reach our full potential.
Seemed appropriate for me as I continue to search for that sweet spot. A perfect balance of work, play, obligations and passions.
I then saw a sign referring to Ledge trail on the property with a steep climb. With all these gardens about and all the hiking I do I could not imagine they meant that literally.
Yea suddenly there I was climbing a ledge using a rope to pull myself up and around the property- mmm quite analogous to the myth of Sisyphus! Natures creatures suddenly appeared and I was immersed into the forest.
Looping to the other side returned you to the open grounds overlooking the mountains.
From the Lincoln Memorial website I was most interested to learn “French depicted the president as a worn but strong individual who had endured many hardships. He positioned Lincoln’s hands in a manner that displayed his two leading qualities. One of the president’s hands is clenched, representing his strength and determination to see the war through to a successful conclusion. The other hand is a more open, slightly more relaxed hand representing his compassionate, warm nature.”
I would say this was worth a stop. Especially if you been amongst the crowds to see the Lincoln Memorial.
Pivot and Pause in New England 