Reluctance Collection
"Reluctance: A Tapestry of Emotions and Stories" In the grand halls of Excalibur Restored, a sense lingers in the air
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"Reluctance: A Tapestry of Emotions and Stories" In the grand halls of Excalibur Restored, a sense lingers in the air, as if destiny itself hesitates to unfold its secrets, and is reminiscent of a scene from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, where unrequited love dances with hesitant hearts. Like the Parable of Neighbour they can be found in unexpected places. Just as Saint Euphemia died a martyr in Chalcedon around 307 AD, sometimes we must face our fears and embrace our fate reluctantly. The Farewell, 1842 (oil on board) captures that bittersweet moment when two souls part ways with heavy hearts. Similarly, within A Love Letter (Procuress), second half of the 16th century by an unknown French Master artist, one can feel the hesitation and longing embedded within each stroke. Im Faschingstrubel (colour litho) portrays the whirlwind chaos of life's festivities where even amidst joyous celebrations there exists a hint to fully let go. In The Youngest Son's Farewell, 1867 (oil on canvas), we witness a poignant farewell filled with trepidation and uncertainty for what lies ahead. Even historical events like King John signing the Magna Carta reluctantly remind us that powerful figures too experience moments when they question their own decisions. No. 2: He Won't Be A Soldier depicts Heinrich Schutz's resistance against societal expectations during May 1st in1798. The Parting of Lord William and Lady Rachel Russell in 1683 showcases how even noble love stories are not immune to reluctant goodbyes that tug at one's heartstrings. And finally, Obesity: Boy asking his fat father when he is going to make a balloon ascent (chromolitho) humorously reminds us that sometimes we need gentle encouragement to overcome our own hesitations.