While the British military burned the federal properties of Washington during the War of 1812, some soldiers sought souvenirs to commemorate their conquest of the nascent U.S. capital. Seized by a British officer, one particular American bible in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division bears the marks of its dramatic removal, its captivity, and later its homecoming to the United States.
Read MoreFounder of the Society of Jesus Ignatius of Loyola, like Francis of Assisi, had a conversion experience while recuperating from a serious illness. Being a military man, the Rule of Life that Saint Ignatius wrote for his followers shows the discipline and rigor of a soldier, but a soldier of faith with the mercy and compassion of the Gospel.
Read MoreCreating a rendition of Jerry N. Uelsmann’s “Untitled” (1967) in the style of Leonid Afremov, known for his vibrant use of neon colors and impressionistic brushstrokes, transforms the photomontage into a vivid tapestry of surrealism. Imagine Uelsmann’s intricate blend of multiple exposures now bathed in luminous hues of neon green, electric blue, and vibrant magenta, creating a dramatic contrast against a dark, atmospheric background. Afremov’s signature technique, characterized by bold strokes and swirling patterns reminiscent of oil palette knives, imbues the scene with a dynamic sense of movement and emotion. This interpretation retains Uelsmann’s original concept of merging reality and imagination while infusing it with Afremov’s unique artistic energy, resulting in a visually captivating piece that captivates with its neon-lit brilliance and dreamlike allure.
Read MoreGod of Love,
I thank You for the people in my life
who are easy to love.
I thank You for my family and friends
who understand my actions,
who support me in my decisions,
and whose presence can lift the burden of a thorny day.
Help me with those who are difficult to love.
When they come at me with criticism
and wild expectations,
when they ignore me
or try to bend me to their will,
let me recognize their flaws and their dangers.
But then let me remember …
A visitor to the inner solar system every 70 years or so
Comet 13P/Olbers
reached its most recent perihelion,
or closest approach to the Sun, on June 30 2024
Ranger 7 took this image, the first picture of the Moon by a U.S. spacecraft, on July 31, 1964, about 17 minutes before crashing into the lunar surface.
Read MoreThis year the Washington Nationals will celebrate their 5-year anniversary since winning the World Series in 2019. But did you know that the Nationals won the World Series 100 years ago as well? Better known as the Washington Senators at the time, the team had officially changed its name to the Washington Nationals in 1905, …
Read MoreReimagining Jerry N. Uelsmann’s “Untitled” (1967) in the style of Leonid Afremov transforms the photomontage into a vibrant tapestry of surrealism. Picture Uelsmann’s intricate blend of multiple exposures now saturated with neon green, electric blue, and vibrant magenta, set against a dark, atmospheric backdrop. Afremov’s trademark brushstrokes, akin to oil palette knives, infuse the composition with dynamic movement and emotion. This approach honors Uelsmann’s original concept of blending reality and imagination while incorporating Afremov’s distinctive artistic vigor, resulting in a visually arresting piece that dazzles with its neon brilliance and dreamlike ambiance.
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