Sacrifice, Courage, Patriotism - A Visit to the National Museum of the Pacific War...4 - Epoch Cloud
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WEEK 37, 2020
A small American flag carried
ashore by the 2nd Battalion,
28th Marines is planted atop
Mount Suribachi on the island
of Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945.
Japan surrendered to the
Allies on Sept. 2, 1945.
Public Domain
Sacrifice, Courage, Patriotism
A Visit to the National Museum of the Pacific War...4
B2
2 | ARTS & CULTURE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
Week 37, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
Week 37, 2020 ARTS & CULTURE |B33
the national Gallery, london 2006 ChriStie’S iMaGeS liMited
Fine Arts a hard day’s work: An accountant falls “Portrait of
asleep during her accounting; a maid a Girl With a
What Our
sleeps soundly surrounded by fallen deer,” circa
celebRatIng pots, as she appears to have fallen
asleep while carrying earthenware to
1671, by
nicolaes
Maes. oil on
Readers Say:
the kitchen.
RembRandt’s
canvas; 52
1/8 inches
Flamboyant Portraits by 40 1/8
Maes returned to Amsterdam in 1673, inches. Pri-
where he began to concentrate on paint- vate collec-
ImpoRtant
ing portraits in a style similar to French tion.
portraiture and that of the preeminent
Flemish portrait painter Anthony van
It’s the only sane newspaper It's bringing morality Dyck.
pupIl
Maes’s portraits often included fan-
amidst all this insanity. back to newspapers. tastical costumes and idealized back-
STAN K., PASTOR LISSA T., BUSINESS OWNER
drops of parklands or ancient influ-
ences such as the mythological Greek
huntress Artemis, known for her vir-
beyond HIs masteR’s
ginity, who seems echoed in his por- rijkSMuSeuM, aMSterdaM
It's the only paper that You're presenting the trait of a girl with a deer. Clothed in an Portrait of
I know of right now that facts and letting the incredible blue dress, reflecting the Simon van
color of many Madonnas depicted in alphen,
actually gives you the honest,
old fashioned journalism.
DRUE L., BUSINESS OWNER
reader decide.
TERRI B., BUSINESS OWNER Influence Renaissance paintings, the girl looks
serenely and assuredly out of the paint-
ing. Her gaze and the stag’s piercing
circa 1677,
by nico-
laes Maes.
eye contact with the viewer startlingly oil on can-
vas; 28 1/8
‘Nicolaes Maes: Dutch Master of the Golden capture attention.
The painting is one of a pair. The oth-
inches by 22
Everything I read in it is fair and balanced, 1/2 inches.
compared to other newspapers. Age’ at the National Gallery, London er painting is of the girl’s brother, who
could be construed as Apollo: The boy
C.h. de kon-
ing bequest,
JUNE V., RETIRED BANKER gaily bounds in a magnificent orange the hague.
satin costume, while he balances a bird rijksmu-
Lorraine Ferrier in The Hague, where the exhibition on his hand and carries a quiver of ar- seum.
$1 I
premiered. The London exhibition is rows on his back.
n the painting “Christ Blessing supported by The Thompson Family Another fascinating aspect of the
the Children,” earthly browns Charitable Trust. exhibition is that some of the paint-
and pockets of red dominate the Divided into three rooms, the exhibi- ings are in their original 17th-century
divinely touching scene of Jesus tion reflects the three distinctive peri- frames, which rarely survive. Those dordreChtS MuSeuM
blessing children whom their ods of Maes’s artwork: the historic and frames allow viewers insight into how Self-por-
parents so eagerly present to him. biblical scenes he painted at the start of the sitters wanted to be portrayed. The trait, 1680–
FIRST MONTH! The girl being blessed by Christ ap- his career, the genre paintings (domes- portrait of Simon van Alphen is a par- 5, by nico-
pears to hold an apple, perhaps sym- tic scenes) he painted primarily in the ticularly dashing example, both in the laes Maes.
bolic of the original sin when Adam and mid-1650s, and the portraits he painted enigmatic subject and the simple, el- oil on can-
Eve ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree exclusively from just before 1660 until “Christ Blessing the Children,” circa 1652–3, by nicolaes Maes. oil on canvas; 85 7/8 egant frame. vas; 24 3/8
of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The his death. inches by 60 5/8 inches. the national Gallery, london. Overall, the exhibition “Nicolaes inches by 18
girl seems distracted by something in Maes: Dutch Master of the Golden 7/8 inches.
the distance. As she appears to pull dordrechts
righteous behavior. For instance, in steak she carries. Age” lets visitors view the versatility
Museum,
away from Christ, he gently pulls her
toward his divine blessing. These subtle
Maes’s portrait the painting “A Sleeping Man Having
His Pockets Picked,” a mischievous
In addition, many of Maes’s genre
paintings effectively convey traditional
of Maes’s artistry as he moved beyond
Rembrandt’s influence and made his
dordrecht.
Subscribe @ gestures allude to the fact that the sins paintings—he painted servant almost makes the viewer her feminine virtues that were held in high distinctive mark on Dutch genre paint-
inherent in the human world pull us
ReadEpoch.com
accomplice as she jovially gestures esteem. Women are pictured diligently ing and portraiture.
away from our innate divinity. Only around 900—were in for silence while she reaches over to carrying out their daily chores, such as
faith in the divine offers us salvation.
To the left of the painting, a mother
high demand, making pick a gentleman’s pocket. And in the
painting “Two Women at a Window,”
a woman engrossed in embroidery or
a girl concentrating hard to thread a
To find out more about the exhibition
‘Nicolaes Maes: Dutch Master of the
holds her babe who, yet untainted by the him the most sought- a maid stops working to gossip with needle. Golden Age’ at the National Gallery, in
world, looks up to the heavens almost a friend through a window, unaware Other paintings show often-humorous London, which runs until Sept. 20, visit
knowingly feeling such divine grace. after portraitist in late that a dog is salivating at the salmon scenes of idleness or exhaustion after NationalGallery.org.uk
TRUTH AND TRADITION The picture is so reminiscent of Rem- 17th-century Holland.
brandt’s subject matter and painterly
35 COUNTRIES • 23 LANGUAGES approach that when the National Gal-
lery in London acquired “Christ Blessing Everyday Eavesdropping
the Children” in 1866, the painting was Maes was born in Dordrecht, Hol-
attributed to Rembrandt rather than the land; his father was a cloth merchant.
How to Share The Epoch Times
real painter: Rembrandt’s student and Fine textures, used in different ways de-
fellow Dutchman Nicolaes Maes. pending on the subject, feature promi-
Regarded as one of Rembrandt’s most nently in many of Maes’s artworks. For
important students, Maes (1634–1693) instance, in his 1655 painting “The
TRUTH and TRADITION
studied in Rembrandt’s studio in Am- Eavesdropper,” a fine blue-green satin
With Your Friends and Family
sterdam sometime between 1649 and or silk curtain hangs open, revealing a
1653. And although Maes’s paintings servant descending a staircase as she
from that period reflect his master’s gestures to the viewer to keep quiet
hand, Maes moved on to a different while she listens in on her mistress. The
oeuvre and often to a far more colorful curtain allows a peek into another world
palette after he departed Rembrandt’s and also indicates the homeowner’s
tutelage. wealth.
Later, in Maes’s portrait paintings,
An Influential Dutch Master
Maes found fame in his own right.
immensely fine fabrics clothe the
wealthy owners who peer out of the
As an Epoch VIP, you’re else after you’ve read it. Consider to spread the news about The Epoch
neighbors, friends, family, relatives, Times. Talk it up at your local library,
His pioneering genre paintings de- paintings. The attention Maes pays to passionate about the
picting Dutch interiors with intimate, the rendering of these fabrics is no less co-workers, teachers, golf buddies, and meetings, birthday parties, special
and sometimes humorous, domestic than that in his earlier, everyday scenes traditional journalism and your boss. events, and with friends and family over
scenes directly influenced the Dutch where sumptuous fabrics look silky to
painters Johannes Vermeer and Pieter the touch. in-depth reporting you get the holidays.
de Hooch. And Maes’s portrait paint- Maes painted these genre paint-
ings—he painted around 900—were in ings after he left Amsterdam and in The Epoch Times. You’ve Newspaper Placement
high demand, making him one of the Rembrandt’s studio and returned to
even sent us ideas on how to Place a copy of The Epoch Times at Using Email and Social Media
most sought-after portraitists in late Dordrecht. His genre paintings seem
places where people typically wait Use technology to share stories from
17th-century Holland.
The exhibition “Nicolaes Maes: Dutch
like theater scenes, where his subjects
whisper out of the painting to gain the
spread the word. Here are such as doctors’ offices, dentists’ The Epoch Times. Forward our daily
Master of the Golden Age,” at the Na- viewer’s approval of their wrongdoing some of the best suggestions offices, hotel lobbies, airline terminals, email MORNING BRIEF to friends
tional Gallery in London, explores or to challenge the viewer’s morals.
Maes’s art through 48 paintings and For instance, in his famous eaves- from readers like you! barbershops, and beauty salons. Also and family. Share postings from our
drawings. It is the first international dropper paintings, women gesture to
exhibition on Maes alone. The exhi- viewers to “ssshh!” as they catch others
consider placing copies at community Facebook site and YouTube channel.
bition was organized by the National partaking in immoral activity. Or we Request FREE Newspapers centers, company cafeterias, break Simply copy the URL and then send it
Gallery and the Mauritshuis museum viewers disturb a woman’s own un-
to Be Sent to Your Friends* rooms, coffee shops, gyms, churches, with a brief note such as: “Here’s a story
Guildhall art Gallery, City of london
Submit the names and shipping automobile dealerships, or in your car. I thought you’d like to read.”
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their cars as well. Visit EpochShop.com. friends or business associates ask, explain
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Simply pass your copy of The Epoch Getting the Word Out can get their own copy.
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“the eavesdropper,” 1655, by nicolaes Maes. oil on panel; 18 inches by 28 3/8 inches.
harold Samuel Collection, Mansion house, london.
4 | ARTS & CULTURE Week 37, 2020 Week 37, 2020 ARTS & CULTURE | 5
all photos by National Museum of the Pacific War unless noted otherwise Billy Hathorn CC BY-SA 3.0
1 2 3
4 5
Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz signing the surrender agreement on behalf of the United States aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945. This print is from the original photograph negative. If we fail to take
advantage of
History the wisdom
and lessons our
Sacrifice,
past offers us,
the fault lies
not with our
museums but
Courage,
with ourselves.
Patriotism
dead and the missing, the wound- who performed above and beyond ous reproductions of posters and 1. Visitors seeing a who direct our museums of history
ed and the sick, military personnel the call of duty in the fighting, and a other memorabilia. projected newspaper and those who work in them ask us
and civilians—in countries like Japanese Garden of Peace includes Altogether, the museum contains report of Japan’s to learn from the men and women
the Philippines and China, and a replica of the study of Japanese more than 50,000 artifacts from the surrender during World who came before us, who built this
the numbers stagger the imagina- Admiral Heihachiro Togo, a mili- war along with thousands of manu- War II. country and whose sacrifices allow
tion, about 36 million, or half of the tary genius famed for his role in scripts, documents, and interviews. 2. The Japanese Garden us to enjoy liberty and prosper-
casualties of World War II. the Russo-Japanese War and much To sum up, here is a museum, of Peace includes a ity. If we fail to take advantage of
A Visit to the National Museum of the Pacific War
admired by Admiral Nimitz. like so many others in our coun- replica of the study the wisdom and lessons this past
Paying Homage Historians and students of the try, focused on an important part of Japanese Admiral offers us, the fault lies not with our
A Texas Historical Commission war (by appointment only) will also of American history. The materi- Heihachiro Togo, a museums but with ourselves.
Property and managed and sup- find a treasure trove of thousands of als gathered here—the archives, military genius famed
ported by the Admiral Nimitz documents, manuscripts, photo- the oral histories, the hands-on for his role in the Russo- Freedom Is Never Free
Foundation, the National Museum graphs, and recorded histories of exhibits—all these and more at- Japanese War. In “With the Old Breed,” which
Jeff Minick (Below) long ago, or in David McCullough’s Founded by German settlers in in cultural and racial hatred on of the Pacific War, which was Pacific War veterans at the Nimitz tempt to keep alive the memories 3. The Pioneer many historians consider the finest
The National Museum “John Adams,” or the inspirational 1846, many of Fredericksburg’s older both sides, and often a cruel, grim founded in 1969, exists chiefly to Education & Research Center. of our fathers, grandparents, and Village Museum in American memoir on combat in
Maybe you’re interested in teach- of the Pacific War stories of our World War II veterans buildings, the surnames of its inhab- battle to the death. Because of their remember that dreadful conflict great-grandparents. We learn of Fredericksburg, Texas. World War II and which provided
ing your children more about their in Fredericksburg, in books by Stephen Ambrose. itants, an annual Oktoberfest, and code of bushido and their loyalty and to honor those who served Bringing the Museum the challenges they faced and the the background for the minise-
country’s past. Maybe you’re a his- Texas, offers visitors If so, you might consider a visit to the food on the menus of some of its to Emperor Hirohito, the Japanese their country at the time. Into Your Living Room trials, some of them horrific, they 4. An aerial photo of USS ries “The Pacific,” Eugene Sledge
three galleries, includ- Missouri taken during the
tory buff looking for adventure. Or Fredericksburg, Texas. restaurants—Friedhelm’s Bavarian rarely surrendered. When faced Dedicated solely to the fighting Not all of us can make the trip to endured. Many women of that time surrender ceremony.
recounts his training as a Marine
ing one named after
maybe you’re a lover of museums Admiral Nimitz.
Inn, Otto’s German Bistro, and The with surrender, Japanese sol- in the Pacific, this unique museum Fredericksburg, but for those who grieved the loss of husbands, broth- and his participation in the horrific
and memorials. Germans, Buffalo, and President Auslander—still reflect the heritage diers and pilots preferred making offers visitors three galleries with are homeschooling or distance ers, or fiancés to the cruel grinding 5. While some of the fighting at Peleliu and Okinawa.
Or maybe, like me, you enjoy read- Lyndon Johnson of those early settlers. Here, too, suicidal attacks on our troops and 55,000 square feet of exhibit space learning from a public or private wheels of war. Many men, a lot of museum is closed during Sledge closes his memoir with
ing books about the American story, Never heard of Fredericksburg? inhabitants and tourists mingle at ships, or themselves committed on six acres in the heart of the school, or for adults inclined to them no older than today’s college the pandemic, visitors these words:
particularly our military history. You Let me introduce you to this quaint Texas wineries, music festivals, and suicide when they saw that all was town. You can tour the Admiral learn more about the history of students, gave up their lives fighting can visit virtually. “Until the millennium arrives
find pleasure and inspiration in Shel- town, population 11,000, in the Texas art galleries. lost. Their brutal treatment of those Nimitz Gallery—Fleet Admiral the war with Japan, the museum’s for liberty. and countries cease trying to
by Foote’s “The Civil War,” as I did so Hill Country. Fredericksburg keeps in touch with Americans who surrendered to Chester W. Nimitz was a native son website offers a wonderful array of The National Museum of the enslave others, it will be necessary
its past in other ways as well. The them was a direct result of these of Fredericksburg—with its many resources, guides, and aids. Exten- Pacific War asks us to remember to accept one’s responsibilities and
Pioneer Museum tells of the hard- beliefs. multimedia exhibits and personal sive lesson plans are available for them. But do we? to be willing to make sacrifices for
ships and obstacles those German And the stakes in this conflict— items from the Nimitz family. the study of American and world one’s country—as my comrades
settlers faced and overcame in their the control of the vast Pacific In the George H.W. Bush Gal- history, featuring links to grade- Forgetting Is Fatal Several of the museum’s did. As the troops used to say, ‘If
adopted land. Visitors can take a self- Ocean—were enormous. From lery—former President Bush was appropriate plans and addressing Mention Pacific battlefields— attractions, including the country is good enough to live
guided tour of the Fort Martin Scott Pearl Harbor in 1941 to the drop- a fighter pilot in the Pacific—are such topics as “The Home Front,” Bataan, Guadalcanal, Midway, the popular “Victory in in, it’s good enough to fight for.’
Historic Site, one of the first Army ping of atomic bombs on Hiroshi- more multimedia exhibits, oral “Japanese Empire Culture,” and Saipan, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa— the Pacific Program,” With privilege goes responsibility.”
posts in Texas, or drive 20 minutes ma and Nagasaki in August 1945, histories, artifacts taken from “Advancing Across The Pacific.” to many people today, and all too are suspended until the Compared to so many other peo-
out of town to explore the Lyndon the war between imperial Japan battlefields, and letters and diaries There are even distance learning often you’ll receive a blank stare in end of 2020 because of ple in the world, Americans enjoy
B. Johnson State Park and Historic and the United States decided who from the American home front. classes, where registered students return. Mention the names Jona- the pandemic, and the enormous privileges. Museums help
Site, where they can see Texas long- would determine the future of the And when you step into the Pacific receive direct instruction from than Wainwright, Chester Nimitz, museum has restricted us recollect our responsibilities.
horns, buffalo, and a variety of Texas world’s largest body of water. Combat Zone, you not only see teachers and professors on a variety Douglas MacArthur, “Red Mike” its hours of operation. Sept. 2, 2020, marked the
wildflowers. In this same park is the We may now look back and see a TBM Avenger and PT-309 (for of topics regarding the war. Edson, Jimmy Doolittle, and you’ll To enjoy the museum 75th anniversary of the official
Sauer-Beckmann Living History American victory as a given, but the uninitiated, that’s a torpedo In addition, the website offers likely get the same reaction. virtually, visit Pacific- Japanese surrender. The date may
Farm, where park rangers in period such was not the case in the dire bomber aircraft and a patrol boat, live-streaming classes, educational When we forget those who died, WarMuseum.org have passed, but we can nonethe-
costumes tend to livestock and gar- days of the beginning of that war respectively), but you also experi- curriculum for young people, a blog bled, and fought for our country, less pause and contemplate the
dens, and cook while telling the story when the Japanese were advancing ence the sights and sounds of an filled with oral histories, videos not only in the Pacific but also Jeff Minick has four enormity of that event. And should
of the century-old farm and answer- on every front against the forces island battlefield come to life. such as the one set on the museum’s throughout our history, when children and a grow- I ever visit Texas again, Fredericks-
ing the questions of tourists. of the United States. Even after In addition, the museum provides replicated Pacific island battle- we close our eyes to the sacri- ing platoon of grand- burg and the National Museum
But the most ambitious of these winning the Battle of Midway in its 100,000 annual visitors the op- ground, and all sorts of insights into fices made by past generations, we children. For 20 years, of the Pacific War will stand at the
attractions, and certainly the most June of 1942, when we crushed portunity to stroll through the Plaza history, ranging from how to change become orphans battered by the he taught history, top of the list of places I want to
grand, is Fredericksburg’s National Japanese air and naval forces, the of Presidents, with its monuments a tire on a jeep to the role played by storm of current events. Such negli- literature, and Latin see. That journey would be less a
Museum of the Pacific War, which I war against the Japanese was a slog honoring those who served in the women on the home front. gence comes with a high price, and to seminars of home- tourist’s jaunt and more a pilgrim-
recently explored online. rather than a rout. war, including John F. Kennedy Finally, we find on this site ar- may even prove fatal to the future of schooling students in age of gratitude and admiration
The number of Americans who and George Bush, both of whom chives of the Nimitz News Dispatch, our nation. Asheville, N.C. Today, for all those who fought or died on
A War to the Death paid with their lives in that theater saw combat fighting the Japanese. the museum’s quarterly newsletters Institutions like the National Mu- he lives and writes those faraway battlefields or who
Unlike any other conflict in our was 111,606. The total for the Japa- Plaques in the Memorial Courtyard filled with additional information, seum of the Pacific War perform in Front Royal, Va. served on the home front, and so
history, the war we fought against nese military was 1,740,000. Add and its Veterans’ Walk of Honor as well as a gift shop chock full of a noble service for our country. In See JeffMinick.com to helped preserve the liberties of our
the Japanese was merciless, mired in the number of casualties—the recognize units and individuals books about World War II and vari- their preservation of the past, those follow his blog. unique country.
6 | ARTS & CULTURE
B6 Week 37,
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2020
8, 2020 Week 37, 2020
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 ARTS & CULTURE | B77
SAMEER A. KHAN COURTESY OF MIKE FRANCE ALL PHOTOS BY WARNER BROS.
FILM INSIGHTS Mark Jackson grew up in Spring Val-
ley, N.Y., where he attended a Waldorf
WITH MARK
school. At Williams College, his pro-
fessors all suggested he write pro-
fessionally. He acted professionally
JACKSON
for 20 years instead. Now he
writes professionally about
acting. In the movies.
REWIND, REVIEW, AND RE-RATE
Dirty Harry
(Above) Mike France, co-founder of Christopher Ward, the world’s first Directs SEAL Story
in Ironic Twist
online-only luxury watch brand.
(Below) The Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor.
(Above) Bradley Cooper (L) and Clint Eastwood on the set of “American Sniper.”
The late Sir Roger Scruton, writer
and philosopher, at Princeton Univer- Rebic is from Serbia and has stud-
sity in New Jersey on April 3, 2017. ied Western and Indian classical MARK JACKSON ‘American Sniper’ SEAL bootcamp, is famous for its brutality. to call, where some higher-up at the War
U
He believed that beauty matters. music. He also draws inspiration It can easily kill a man. It doesn’t separate Department informed them that they were
Director
from classical Chinese music. .S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle had four Clint Eastwood boys from men; it separates already tough dealing with one of America’s most deco-
No matter which region around tours of duty in Iraq, earned a men from world-class warriors. rated war heroes. The police didn’t want
Starring
TRADITIONAL CULTURE the globe, “classical music is root- reputation as the most lethal
Bradley Cooper, Sienna
More flashbacks establish what will to involve a highly decorated veteran in
ed in the belief of the divine. It was sniper in U.S. military history, become Kyle’s stateside narrative—the a legal situation, along with all the media
A Watchmaker, Artist, and Guitarist
Miller, Luke Grimes, E.R.
divinely inspired art created in and started a program to heal disabled Ruiz, Jake McDorman, courtship of his wife-to-be, Taya (British bells and whistles.
temples in the East and churches vets—only to return stateside and get shot Brian Hallisay actress Sienna Miller, in a shape-shifting
in the West.” and killed by a Marine with post-traumatic Rated
performance as a brunette). The Irony
Explain Why Beauty Matters
When Rebic first moved to New stress disorder. R U.S. Special Operations personnel don’t I attended the premiere of “American
York City, he attended a concert The riveting Clint Eastwood-directed lightly reveal what they do, instead say- Sniper” at the Tribeca Film Center. It
he’ll never forget. The musician, “American Sniper,” released in 2015, Running Time ing things like, “I’m the guy who sits in was packed. I thought, “That’s way more
2 hours, 13 minutes
Shahid Parvez, performed on joined “Act of Valor” and “Lone Survi- the ATM machine and dispenses cash,” journalists than usual.” Usually, when
D
Release Date
AR
the sitar, a classical Indian vor” to become one of the most authentic and during Kyle and Taya’s initial verbal the credits roll, fi lm critics exit the mov-
RW
Jan. 16, 2015
Beauty in art and artisanship deepens our very existence stringed instrument. He cinematic portrayals of SEAL culture to sparring at a bar, Kyle maintains he’s a ie theater en masse with alacrity. Th is
P HE
C HR IS T O
started playing a long in- date. While “Act of Valor” featured actual “professional dolphin waxer.” Taya’s got time, only a few people left; the major-
troduction or “Alap,” often active-duty SEALs in acting roles, “Ameri- his number, though, and it’s a proverbial ity stayed, in a state of deep, respectful
performed as part of a mu- can Sniper” rivals that movie as a top-tier whirlwind romance. silence. I thought, “That’s odd.” Went to
J.H. WHITE People often don’t see it until they As a young teen- sical piece in Indian classi- combat movie. the restroom and returned to the lobby,
A
own the watch. They think, ‘Oh, this ager, Wilson hadn’t cal music. Although it precisely follows Kyle’s au- Iraq which was now packed with young men
sculptor told me recently is even better than I thought it was.’” yet reached that un- “I just started crying un- tobiography of the same name—factually, All too soon, Kyle is “in-country,” stack- who all looked like NFL running backs. I
that Sir Roger Scruton’s But France explains that with derstanding about art. controllably. It was kind of not tonally—“American Sniper” is not a ing the Taliban like cordwood. The Iraqis thought, “Ahh, most of this crowd aren’t
documentary “Why Christopher Ward timepieces, The bane of her moth- embarrassing,” Rebic says with thorough accounting of Kyle’s life. More begin calling him “Shaitan Ar-Ramadi” press; this is a big group of Navy SEAL
Beauty Matters” had a beauty extends beyond your senses. er’s existence, Wilson a chuckle. He wondered why he on that later. (the “Devil of Ramadi”). The Americans friends of Chris Kyle.”
profound effect on his life and ca- “One of the ways in which we drew cartoons all over was so moved by the performance. call him “The Legend.” I recognized one, Brandon Webb; I’d
reer as an artist. I watched it and value things and value the beauty the walls and ceilings of their home. “I believe in reincarnation. It really Flashbacks With an $800,000 price on his head, Kyle’s read his book—he’d revamped, single-
COURTESY OF PAULA WILSON
couldn’t agree more with Scruton. of things is if we are aware that they “I was quite wild,” she says with a hit something from a very long time The movie opens on Kyle (Bradley Cooper), finally in his element. With his .300 Win- handedly, the entire SEAL sniper school.
“Beauty matters. It is not just a sub- have been difficult to make and that laugh. “I just wanted to express my- ago that I experienced.” prone in a rooftop sniper-hide in Fallujah, chester Magnum, he excels at the com- I introduced myself and told him I enjoyed
jective thing but a universal need of somebody has poured their efforts self artistically.” But art as a career Rebic went on to study with Iraq. Who’s in his crosshairs? An Iraqi plicated math of it all: yardage, windage, his book. He asked me what I thought of
human beings,” Scruton says. and expertise into them,” he says. never seemed a viable path, and Parvez, learning North Indian clas- woman handing off a big grenade to her bullet spin, and the Coriolis force (Earth the movie. I really wanted to hear what
Though Scruton passed away ear- He likens it to his daughter, who is she gave up art until adult life in sical (Hindustani) sitar techniques 8-year-old son, who then proceeds to rotation/curvature). he thought of the movie, but I told him I
ly this year, his message continues an opera singer. Yes, she was born the early 2010s. She began drawing on his guitar. As Rebic has refined walk toward a Marine convoy. He can compute fast, and under the wondered why the above truck story got
to reverberate. I called up three pro- with a beautiful voice, but she’s put again with charcoal and Conté à his craft, incorporating classical el- It’s a perfect example of why war is extreme duress of instantaneous life-or- left out of the movie, and why Kyle left it out
fessionals from different creative in 10,000 hours to develop it. Paris, pencils that allow for various ements from different regions, he hell. As the audience winces and digs death decision-making (who’s a combat- of his autobiography. And then I thanked
fields to get their perspectives. “Most people do not understand techniques and effects for drawing, now experiences that same cathar- in, we’re suddenly flashed back to Kyle’s ant, who’s a civilian), not to mention lethal him for his service and exited the theater
that it took her eight years of inten- sketching, and pastel work. sis when making his own music. boyhood in Odessa, Texas (home of the incoming rounds and shrapnel. Wrong with alacrity, because putting a question
A Timeless Virtue sive training to train her voice to the If you want to If she wants to create beautiful Recently, for example, a friend Permian Panthers high school football combat decisions could mean lawsuits and mark next to a Navy SEAL who died, in
“Beauty is an emotional engage-
ment,” says Mike France, co-found-
level it’s at now. Still, every single
day, she trains. She produces beau-
keep refining works of art, Wilson realizes that
she has to improve her inner world
sent Rebic a poem about forced or-
gan harvesting from Falun Gong
team of “Friday Night Lights” fame). Kyle’s
out deer hunting with dad. When it comes
court-martials.
We watch Kyle chalk up kill after kill,
front of his SEAL best friend, struck me as
very much akin to walking near a lake of
er of Christopher Ward, the world’s tiful sounds, but that’s because she’s your art, in tandem with her external skill. practitioners in China. Falun Gong to marksmanship, Kyle has Tiger Woods’s nailing Iraqi insurgents he observes plant- gasoline with a lit match.
first online-only luxury watch worked hard at it,” he says. “That “Traditional art is a high skill that is a peaceful meditation practice early-start advantage. Tiger talent, too. Sienna Miller as Chris ing IEDs (improvised explosive devices),
brand. “Beauty cannot just be visu- perspiration, blood, sweat, tears, you have to has been passed down from a high that’s been heavily persecuted in As a young man, he rides broncos to the Kyle’s wife, Taya. suicide-jockeying car bombs, and creep-
al. It needs to be in the touch and the effort, and the grindstone are part keep refining place,” she says. “You have to have a China since 1999. Along with oth- exasperation of a bored girlfriend, who Kyle ing hither and yon schlepping AK-47s. His
feel of the materials, in the [sounds] of beauty.” lot of respect for it, because it is re- er prisoners of conscience, Falun catches “in flagrante delicto” upon return- platoon hunts al-Qaeda beheading spe- Modern warfare can
that the watch makes, in the preci- Christopher Ward’s new time- yourself. ally quite difficult. You can’t just do Gong practitioners are currently ing home early from a rodeo gig. “I just do cialist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al-Zarqawi’s
sion of the way things move.” piece C65 Super Compressor (avail- it. You have to learn it and practice being killed for their organs. Rebic this to get your attention!” she shrieks. Kyle lieutenant “The Butcher” (whose weapon of eventually become
Paula Wilson, artist
For example, France explains that able this fall) exemplifies the senti- and practice it.” But it’s not just a has been practicing Falun Gong for decides it’s time for a change. choice is the power drill), and Syrian sniper ruinous to warriors.
his team labored for hundreds of ment that “beauty wouldn’t have a matter of artistic skill, either. 10 years. Kyle finds change at Naval Special War- Mustafa, a former Olympian marksman.
hours so that the bezel made the value if it was easy,” France says. COURTESY OF PAULA WILSON For example, as she starts a new He began composing a song fare Command, Naval Amphibious Base The movie switches back and forth be-
right clicking sound on their vin- Fifty years ago, a super compres- piece, “it’s like facing yourself,” she based on this poem. But he was Coronado, San Diego. It’s the home of the tween four collections of war stories (la- So why bring it up? Because in order to be
tage-inspired C65 dive watches. sor’s case became more airtight as says. Boredom, impatience, irrita- experiencing songwriter’s block West Coast SEAL teams and the notori- beled, naturally, “Tour One,” “Tour Two,” able to discuss the moral of the story, we
“Every sense has to be engaged the diver increased the depth of bility, and all of her emotional and since the topic was both so heavy ous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Bradley Cooper as the and so on) and the ever-deteriorating state need the whole story. Eastwood portrayed
in a watch,” he says. France wants the dive. But since the early 1970s, mental blockages surface as she and important. He stepped back (BUD/S) course. American hero Chris Kyle. of Kyle’s marriage. pure heroism, Hollywood style, but there’s
customers to have an unforgettable that super compressor technology works on the proportions and layout. and took a break. BUD/S training, otherwise known as Th is switching has a ratio similar to a flagrant omission of truth.
experience from the moment they has been a mystery. While famous “You have to keep going with it Rebic had one simple wish. “I re- that of a NASCAR race, with Iraq being What irony, you ask? Here’s the deal:
open a Christopher Ward box, the watch brands have introduced “su- and not give up,” she says. As she ally wanted to create something track laps, and Taya-time the pit stops. Kyle’s Colt 1911 is a .44 Magnum. That’s a
world’s first sustainable luxury per compressors” in recent years, goes through her sketch or painting, that honors ancient Chinese cul- Th is is unfortunately the hard reality of “Dirty Harry” gun. As Dirty Harry says:
packaging. Christopher Ward none of them actually performed layer by layer, her fears and frus- ture, which I really cherish,” he Special Forces culture; Navy SEALs, like “This is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful
spent 12 months crafting it just so the job, France says. “We wanted trations fade away. She becomes says. “Just when I had this thought, Navy pilots, tend to be adrenaline junkies, handgun in the world. It can blow a man’s
that it creates a suction upon being to produce a genuine one.” more connected to the divine, and something came to me.” which is more often than not ruinous to head clean off.” Who directed “American
opened, adding a subtle touch to Christopher Ward reverse-engi- a sense of peace overcomes her. On his guitar, Rebic started play- relationships. Sniper”? Dirty Harry did. That makes the
the anticipation of opening the box neered the vintage models. Over “If you want to keep refining your ing a piece that simulated the guq- Modern warfare can eventually be- fact that Dirty Harry omitted this gun nar-
when a buyer gets the watch. several years of effort, France’s art, you have to keep refining your- in, a plucked seven-string classi- come ruinous to warriors as well. We see rative rather ironic.
Since Christopher Ward is only team crafted a tension spring that self,” she says. “You want to offer cal Chinese instrument. The guqin its creeping effects in the soldier’s classic
available online and does not have has enabled the magic of the com- hope to humanity through the art. sounds ethereal and pleasant with thousand-yard stare, thanks to Cooper’s Moral of the Story
A portrait of author
retail locations, the customers have pression. This little spring is only Ethan Gutmann by What you put down on paper, you its signature long notes and beauti- muscled-up, bull-necked, soft-spoken, Tex- Fighting for your country is one thing, and
not actually seen the timepieces in 300 microns thick—the thickness Paula Wilson. want it to be beautiful and carry a ful ornamentation. as-twanging, gun-culture-steeped, South- doing it well is even better. With 255 kills,
person. of four human hairs. lot of virtue. So you have to cultivate “This full piece was coming out as ern-male, Oscar-nominated performance. Kyle served his country—he was good to
“All design teams should be look- But Christopher Ward didn’t stop those virtuous qualities in yourself, I was playing it,” he says. It wasn’t It rings highly authentic. Its authenticity is go. Then he killed two civilians at a gas
ing for something that encapsulates with crafting a real super compres- as a person.” just an improvisation or melody; it due also to Eastwood’s directing: America’s station. Shortly after, he was killed by an
a design, something distinctive sor that was waterproof to 500 feet was a full song with different parts onscreen manliest man telling war stories ex-Marine with PTSD whom he was try-
enough that it can live on every (150 meters). France wanted to A World of Beauty that worked in harmony with each about America’s manliest men. ing to help. The fact that so many war vets
watch,” he says. The dive watches, showcase the beauty of the watch’s “When something is truly beauti- other. “As I was playing, I was cry- And yet Eastwood left out one of the most with PTSD are not getting help is one of the
for example, include signature de- inner workings. So his team made a ful, almost everyone will just stop ing. I started remembering some- interesting (and tragic) stories of Kyle’s life, greatest crimes in the United States. Our
tails like the Trident symbol on the see-through caseback, the first ever and be astonished. I witnessed that thing from thousands of years ago. which was recounted by former Navy SEAL homeless veterans are legion.
counterbalance. “It’s a surprise. for a super compressor. when I worked in a museum,” says It was this very deep feeling.” He Marcus Luttrell, author of the bestselling But we in America love “Dirty Harry”
COURTESY OF NEMANJA REBIC Even though the company could guitarist Nemanja Rebic. recorded it and can now even hear “Lone Survivor.” Luttrell is a fellow Texan vigilante stories too much. We, especially
have released a super compressor In “amazing paintings, there’s his sobs as he played. and former sniper. He and Kyle were bud- guys (me included), romanticize the idea
that didn’t actually work, France is a composition, just like music. In “It was quite a magical experi- dies. Leaving the following story in might of a manly man with whom you absolutely
happy they persevered. “Honesty painting and music, the composi- ence, because the piece came out have helped explain some things. do not mess. But there are differences be-
has a beauty as well. The best art, tion has to be balanced. If you fol- from beginning to end. I didn’t have tween warriors in war, and warriors in ci-
poetry, and literature are nearly al- low those specific rules [of balance] a concept before I started playing. It Omission vilian life. Different rules of engagement
ways when they are honest,” he says. and, of course, add your heart and just came out. I still am baffled by Fact is, when Kyle got home, he bought a and rules of law apply. In Kyle’s era, the
“Being honest about the work you’re own touch to it, you can produce art that experience. I can’t even take brand-new, tricked-out truck. Went to the U.S. military was more known for pinning
doing plays a part in the beauty of that just hits us. It’s intrinsic to our much credit for it honestly, but it gas station to gas up. Two men exited a car, medals on its heroes’ chests and sweeping
what you end up producing.” nature. It’s something very close to felt real.” drew guns, and demanded the keys. Kyle their PTSD under the rug.
us, very universal.” Beauty connects us to higher automatically (just another day at the of- I sure as heck wouldn’t want anyone
Origins From Above Rebic explains, for instance, that realms of being. As Scruton says in fice) sized up which miscreant handled his stealing my brand new truck either. But
Visual artist Paula Wilson believes a painter uses colors, light, and “Why Beauty Matters,” “If we ignore gun better, slowly reached for the keys, then I’d like to think if I had Kyle’s sidearm ac-
beauty reflects divinity. shade. In music, he also uses color. this need [for beauty], we find our- pulled his own Colt 1911 and fired two shots curacy skills with a .44 Magnum, I’d have
“I have a responsibility because I’m “It’s just that I use colors that you selves in a spiritual desert.” under his left armpit, killing both thieves blown a couple of hands or feet off and
drawing or painting humans. We are hear,” he says. “I know what specific instantly. waited for the cops to take them to the
created in the image of God. We’ve notes or set of notes can produce a J.H. White is an arts, culture, Then he proceeded to lean up against hospital and then to jail. Then it’s all le-
all got divine origins,” says Wilson. Guitarist, composer, certain emotion. I use those notes, and men’s fashion journalist living his truck and smoke a cigarette until lo- gal, and nobody, not law enforcement, not
“So it’s a disservice for me not to por- and guitar instructor or colors, to express what I want at in New York. cal law enforcement arrived. The cops Kyle, and not Eastwood, would have had
tray people properly, in that light.” Nemanja Rebic. that moment.” ran his license; he gave them a number to fudge the truth.
8B8| ARTS & CULTURE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
Week 37, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
Week 37, 2020 ARTS & CULTURE |B99
Defending America’s
cOuRteSy OF RObeRt R. Reilly
Reaching Within:
What traditional art offers the heart
A Harmonious Culture Creates Riches:
Rule of Reason
‘Forging of the Sampo’ An interview with author Robert R. Reilly
JOsEPH PEArcE Mr. pearce: Much of the identity crisis that like natural law and the rule of law as rea-
A
many Americans are experiencing is due to son. If the will is primary, you get things
Public DOmAin merica is in crisis. Beyond the acceptance and embrace of relativism like tyranny.
Eric BEss characters are necessary for the trials and tribulations and the demands for radical self-autonomy,
T
the creation of the Sampo. Robert R. Reilly has worked associated with COVID-19, which is a logical consequence of relativ- Mr. pearce: You quote Robert Bellarmine
he story of the Let’s delve a little deeper in government for 25 years. there is rioting in the streets ism. What do the Founding Fathers say as saying that “a bad law is not a valid
Sampo is told in into what this might mean. I and calls for the “rebrand- about relativism? law.” If this is so, what constitutes a good
the Finnish epic see Vainamoinen as a repre- ing” of the United States in Mr. reilly: Moral relativism is antithetical law? How is the validity of the law to be
“Kalevala,” which sentation of music and Ilmar- terms of identity politics. These are times in to the American founding, which relies on judged?
was compiled from inen as a representation of which the very history of America is being transcendent, immutable truths as in “the Mr. reilly: The validity of law is judged in
the poems and songs of Finn- visual art, using tools to fash- questioned and in which heroes, such as Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”—for accordance with its conformity to natu-
ish oral traditions. The Sampo ion his creation. The represen- those who founded the nation, are being its justification. “That all men are created ral law. Another way to state this is that a
was a powerful and mysteri- tations of art and music come demonized and derided. The very mean- equal” is articulated as a moral principle bad law is not reasonable. Let me expand
ous device that had a lid of together to create the Sampo, ing of what it is to be an American is being in the Declaration of Independence. Either upon this from my answer to the preceding
many colors, three mills on a source of endless wealth. questioned. that is true universally, at all times, for all question. If God in his essence is Logos or
its sides, and produced end- I see art and music as the In the shadow of these attacks on the peoples, and you can therefore have some- Reason, then one must have reasons for law
less fortune. Outside of this embodiment of culture, and integrity of the United States, a leading thing like the American Republic, or it’s not, because law is Reason at the very source of
description, however, no one culture is what harmonizes scholar and former special assistant to the and you get something like Nazi Germany, creation. Therefore, the constitutive ele-
really knows exactly what the a group of people around president has stepped forward to defend the Soviet Union, or communist China. ment of law is not will, but reason.
Sampo was or what it looked certain ideas and beliefs. So, it the American founding. Seeing the found- Reason is obligatory in man’s behavior
like. is a harmonious culture that ing principles of the United States as part Mr. pearce: How would you respond to Jus- and in his laws because it exists in nature’s
The story of the Sampo brings about endless wealth. of natural law tradition, dating from the tice Anthony Kennedy’s statement in Planned order and as the law of God’s essence. That’s
found its beginning with a But for what purpose does ancient Greeks, Robert R. Reilly has shown Parenthood versus Casey (1992) that “at the why bad laws are defined as unreasonable.
bard and sage as old as the culture bring about endless how the Founding Fathers saw themselves heart of liberty is the right to define one’s own Bad laws are a reflection of the primacy of
earth itself, Vainamoinen. wealth? When culture is used and the nation they were creating as part of concept of existence, of meaning, of the uni- the will over reason.
Vainamoinen was washed up to benefit evil, as it was in the living tradition of Western civilization. verse, and of the mystery of human life”? Can
on the shores of the evil land Pohjola, evil prospers. In other ‘america on trial: a Defense of the Robert Reilly is uniquely qualified to Justice Kennedy’s understanding of liberty Mr. pearce: John Locke, who was a major
of Pohjola. This land was also words, when culture is used to Founding’ comment on the current crisis. He is the be reconciled with the concept of liberty ex- influence on the founders, stated that “the
the evil counterpart of the encourage and legitimize evil, Robert R. Reilly director of the Westminster Institute, pressed in the Constitution? taking away of God, even if only in thought,
land of heroes, called Kaleva- evil will be normalized and Ignatius Press established in 2009 to promote indi- Mr. reilly: The founders would have found dissolves all.” What did he mean by this?
la, from which Vainamoinen will increase harm to all. Cul- 384 pages, hardcover vidual dignity and freedom for people completely objectionable Justice Kennedy’s How important is it that the United States
came and where the Finnish ture can be co-opted by evil. throughout the world. He also has 25 misunderstanding of freedom. The idea of remains “one nation under God”?
epic gets its name. How do the heroes try to years of government service. Reilly has freedom as contentless choice was totally Mr. reilly: In the “Second Treatise,” Locke
Pohjola’s ruler, the evil witch take culture back from Louhi, served as director of Voice of America, alien to them, as would be the idea that lib- wanted to demonstrate the inviolability
Louhi, found the hero Vain- its evil possessor? First, Vain- was senior adviser for information strat- erty is the right to define one’s own mean- of the human person as God’s property.
amoinen on the shore and amoinen and Ilmarinen invite egy to the secretary of defense, and has ing of the universe. For them, the meaning “For men being all the workmanship of
nursed him back to health. In a third member to their party: taught at National Defense University. of the universe originates not in ourselves one omnipotent and infinitely wise Maker;
return for her kindness, Louhi Lemminkainen, a represen- He has written and published widely on but in “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s all the servants of one sovereign Master,
told the hero that she wanted tation of beauty. So, now art American politics and foreign policy. His God.” Man’s obligation is to conform him- sent into the world by His order and about
something which would cre- and music have beauty to help books include “The Closing of the Muslim self to those laws. That is what leading a His business; they are His property, whose
ate for her an endless source them, and these three repre- Mind: How Intellectual Suicide Created moral life means. The Founding Fathers workmanship they are, made to last during
of wealth—the Sampo. Vain- sentations begin a journey to the Modern Islamist Crisis.” were unanimous in saying that the suc- His, not one another’s pleasure.”
amoinen agreed to find her a take back culture to Kalevala, In the following exclusive interview with cess of the American Republic was wholly Like his predecessors, Locke believed
Sampo, but he knew of only the land of heroes. The Epoch Times, Mr. Reilly, author of dependent on the virtue of the American that human life is sacrosanct because
one being with the ability to Interestingly enough, the The key issue, “America on Trial: A Defense of the Found- people, and that it could not survive with- of its provenance. Obviously, man’s life
create such a thing: the eter- three initially demand only ing,” addresses, by email, the issues that out it. Much less could it endure the erasure cannot be sacred unless there is a God
nal hammerer, Ilmarinen. half of the wealth created by including in have been ripping the nation apart. of the distinction between virtue and vice, to sanctify it, which is why Locke was so
Ilmarinen was said to use the Sampo from their evil which is what Justice Kennedy’s nonsensi- adamantly insistent on God’s existence.
his tools to hammer the counterpart. Why do they re-
theology, is: Does joseph pearce: Mr. Reilly, your book has cal statement achieves. This also helps explain Locke’s revulsion
firmament into shape. Vain- quire only half? Is it because if the will follow been published at a time when many peo- at atheism: “Those are not at all to be toler-
amoinen tried to convince evil were completely without ple are questioning the very foundations of Mr. pearce: You write that the whole crisis ated who deny the being of God. Promises,
Ilmarinen to help him, but sustenance and disappeared, reason, or does the United States. How would you respond is based on two opposing conceptions of covenants, and oaths, which are the bonds
the hammerer had no inten-
tion of helping the evil land
perhaps the heroes would
lose their roles as those who
reason follow the to those who see nothing worth celebrating
on the Fourth of July?
reality, whether it’s constituted by reason
or by will. What’s the difference between
of human society, can have no hold upon
or sanctity for an atheist.”
of Pohjola. In order to obtain struggle against evil? will? Everything robert r. reilly: I would respond that they these two conceptions and why is it so im- Locke maintained that “the belief of a deity
Ilmarinen’s help, Vainamoin- But Lemminkainen was un- “Forging of the Sampo,” composition. The standing log When evil denies them their are committing colossal acts of ingratitude portant? is not to be reckoned amongst purely specu-
en summoned a storm, which able to control his excitement 1893, by Akseli Gallen- leads us up to the long log at wish, they lull evil to sleep hinges on the and impiety. By what standard of worth Mr. reilly: Primacy of reason means that lative opinions, for it being the foundation of
carried Ilmarinen to Pohjola. and sang loudly and badly, so Kallela. Oil on canvas, 78.7
inches by 59.8 inches.
the top of the structure, and with their music and take the answer to this would they find nothing worth celebrating “what is right” flows from objective sources all morality, and that which influences the
Ilmarinen was treated very loudly that he woke up Louhi this leads us all the way back Sampo back. in the very thing that provides them with in nature and the transcendent, from “what whole life and actions of man, without which
well in Pohjola. He was even and her dark forces. Ateneum, Helsinki. to another group of figures at Music, art, and beauty are question. their freedom? is,” as Plato said. Primacy of will, on the a man is to be counted no other than one of
offered the hand of Louhi’s Louhi and her troops fol- the top left of the composition. capable of lulling evil to sleep. other hand, means that “what is right” the most dangerous sorts of wild beasts and
beautiful daughter if he would lowed the three heroes out to These figures at the top left With evil asleep, culture—and Robert R. Reilly Mr. pearce: At a time when statues are flows from power, that will is a law unto so incapable of all society.”
make the Sampo. These kind- sea. In the struggle, as Louhi work together to pull down its endless wealth—can be toppling, including statues of the Found- itself. In other words, right is the rule of The “infinitely wise Maker” is also the
nesses made him agree to tried to take back the Sampo, another log, which is tied to used for the purposes of good. ing Fathers and of former presidents of the the stronger. guarantor of man’s equality, as no one is
undertake the task. it dropped into the sea and a branch. This log appears When culture is built on the United States, how can we make a reasoned The key issue, including in theology, is: any less the workmanship of God than any-
At first, while trying to was forever lost. to work the bellows in order qualities that come with being defense of the founders and of the founding Does the will follow reason, or does reason one else. This is the sacred basis of equality
make the Sampo, Ilmarinen to blow air into the fire and a good and upright hero, these principles of our nation? follow the will? Everything hinges on the in Locke, as well as in the Declaration of
produced only objects that ‘Forging of the Sampo’ intensify the heat, the heat qualities are the ones that Mr. reilly: You cannot make a reasoned answer to this question. Either the intellect Independence.
caused harm. But after sum- Akseli Gallen-Kallela was a needed to make the Sampo will be normalized and will defense against those who have abandoned directs the will, and the will then acts in I would only add that the Declaration
moning the wind to work the Finnish painter during the produce its riches. increase the good of all. reason. The American founding was based accord with reason, or the will is in charge mentions God four times. It is no exaggera-
bellows, he was able to forge 19th century. He traveled But evil can always find its on the primacy of reason as against the and reason becomes the servant of the will. tion to say that American independence
the Sampo in three days. extensively and learned a A Harmonious Culture way back into culture. Beauty “Washington as Statesman
primacy of will and power. However, when There are huge political ramifications to was based on dependence on God. When
Ilmarinen completed and great deal from the artistic Creates Wealth can be used to make other- at the constitutional the primacy of reason is being threatened, this issue. As French writer Bertrand de I mentioned that the American found-
presented the Sampo to styles of French realism and It’s interesting how the Sampo wise harmful things pleasing convention,” 1856, by sometimes it must employ force in order to Juvenal said, “The man who finds in God ers were unanimous on the necessity of
Louhi, who, with access to symbolism. He was able to is created and lost: It is created to the senses. When beauty Junius brutus Stearns. protect itself—as in federal officers being before all else will and power, will be dis- virtue, I should have also said that they
endless wealth—grain, salt, use the lessons gained from through harmony and lost in lacks wisdom, that is, when Oil on canvas. Virginia sent to keep violent mobs from burning posed to the same view of human govern- all agreed that religion was the principal
and gold—was excited. She these styles to express his discord. a culture looks good on the museum of Fine Arts. down federal court buildings. ment.” If reason is primary, you get things source of virtue. Should Americans today
locked up the Sampo inside a love for this own culture by Gallen-Kallela depicted the surface but is not in true har- think that they are autonomous, no longer
mountain. Finished with his illustrating stories from the elements coming together for mony or acts inappropriately, Public DOmAin dependent on God, then they should pre-
task, Ilmarinen went to accept “Kalevala.” The story of the the sake of creating the Sam- evil can find its way back in, pare for what prior attempts at total human
Louhi’s daughter’s hand in In “Forging of the Sampo,” po. Too much or too little of and endless wealth risks be- autonomy have produced: the Great Terror
marriage, but she refused. Gallen-Kallela depicted Sampo found any element, as was the case ing lost forever. of the French Revolution and the charnel
Years passed and Pohjola multiple figures creating the when Ilmarinen had too little How will we approach the houses of the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany,
prospered, but Vainamoinen Sampo. The painting shows
its beginning air and too little heat from the evolution of our own cultures? and communist China.
and Ilmarinen suffered. Fed workers in a wooded envi- with a bard and fire, causes the Sampo to pro- Will we construct a culture
up with their struggles, the ronment of muted browns duce harmful things instead fashioned on the righteous Mr. pearce: You claim that “failure is writ-
two decided to take back the and greens contrasted with sage as old as of riches. hero’s journey toward the ten into the DNA of the modern project.”
Sampo for themselves. They
recruited Lemminkainen, a
intense oranges and yellows.
In the foreground are two
the earth itself, Gallen-Kallela also depicted
people working in harmony
harmony between people
and nature? Or will we allow
What do you mean by this, and why is it a
cause for hope?
hero noted for his beauty, to figures to the left and center Vainamoinen. with these natural elements. the divisiveness of evil to run Mr. reilly: Radical modernity and its
help them on their journey. of the composition who look Here, I believe, lies the begin- rampant and destroy all good project for man’s total self-sufficiency is
When they approached into an opening that contains ning of the endless wealth things in its wake? parasitic. It will fail to the extent to which
Louhi, they requested half of a fire. Also in the foreground, represented by the Sampo. it succeeds. It cannot survive its own era-
the Sampo’s wealth or they’d smithing tools sit on a trunk Endless wealth comes from Art has an incredible ability to sure of natural law and Christianity. Para-
take it by force. Louhi was stump. working with one another point to what can’t be seen so doxically, the loss of faith and reason is a
outraged and summoned her The figure in the center looks and with nature. Going to that we may ask “What does cause for hope. It proved the downfall of
dark forces to battle. intently at what is presumably extremes and working against this mean for me and for ev- the Soviet empire, which imploded from its
Vainamoinen, however, the unfinished Sampo, which each other and against nature eryone who sees it?” “How has own hollowness. The West’s moral, social,
was a wonderful musician remains concealed behind a brings about the opposite it influenced the past and how and political implosion proceeds apace
and lulled her evil minions structure built from wood and result from that intended. might it influence the future?” for similar reasons. Yet we can avoid the
to sleep with his music. The rock that contains the fire. The Maybe the two painted “What does it suggest about the cataclysm anytime we choose to, by re-
three heroes were able to take other figure also looks intently figures in the foreground human experience?” These are turning to reality, to reason, to “the Laws
the Sampo without anyone into the fire and appears to be represent Ilmarinen and some of the questions I explore of Nature and of Nature’s God.” Reality is
noticing. In their escape at using a very large branch to Vainamoinen. It’s interesting in my series “Reaching Within: resilient because, as Plato said, it is “what
sea, however, Lemminkainen possibly adjust the Sampo’s that Vainamoinen enhances What Traditional Art Offers is”—not whatever one fancies. Logos wins
asked Vainamoinen to sing position in the fire. the environment with music the Heart.” in the end.
a celebratory song. Vain- The line of sight of these and Ilmarinen shapes the
amoinen, believing it too early two figures leads us to the environment with his ham- Eric Bess is a practicing repre- Joseph Pearce is the author of “Solzhenit-
to celebrate, refused to sing. standing log at the right of the mer, and that both of these sentational artist. syn: A Soul in Exile” (Ignatius Press).
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