(no subject)

[cblj_backup]

The alteration to this print is not initially evident, but closer inspection reveals that this predominantly naked Apollo is missing his genitalia. A viewer deliberately scraped away the ink at the god's crotch in a campaign of extremely localized censorship. Given how modestly Apollo was originally endowed, this change does not significantly alter the image overall. Rather, the god's sizable arrow quiver dangles more provocatively between his legs than his own penis ever did. The objecting viewer, apparently lacking a grasp of age-old visual puns, may not have realized that, with his alteration, the visual emphasis merely shifted to this larger and more obvious phallus substitute.

THIS IS THE FINEST MUSEUM INFORMATIONAL PLACARD I HAVE EVER READ.

I nipped down to the Art Institute this evening, because it's open late on Thursdays, and went to re-explore the "Altered And Adorned: Renaissance Prints In Daily Life" exhibit, which is closing July 10th. The text above is on a placard next to the work "Apollo Slays Python", which is tucked WAY IN THE BACK CORNER of the back room of the exhibit. Just for you guys, I dug up a copy of the image. That one has the penis intact, but you can see what they mean about Apollo's giant swingin' quiver.

I want to find the person who wrote that placard and buy them a drink. I don't think I've ever laughed that hard in a museum in my life.

Comments

[firesprite1105.livejournal.com]

OMG....STILL...FUNNY!