Fish Nouveau

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A fish with distinctly human features – eyes, nose and even a moustache reminiscent of German emperors displayed on a fountain in Schwetzingen.

The fountain was erected in honour of Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Baden, and his wife, Luise (daughter of the first German emperor Wilhelm I). 

The two are seen on either side, the shield of arms of Baden in the middle (a red stripe on a yellow field if it were in colour) and the strange fish underneath.

I’ve tried to find an explanation for this whimsical waterspout and could only find a description stating that the fish head is supposed to show an affinity to the art nouveau style of the time. I find this explanation less than satisfying and there is something distinctly fishy about it, to my mind at least.

Fishy or Friendly Friday: Something Fishy

Bright Morning Light

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I had a number of bright spring flowers lined up for today.

It was bright when I stepped outside. No denying.

But I hadn’t expected the brightness of snow.

The eighth #BrightSquare

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Cruising the Edge

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“Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. But cruise ships are totally out of the question now. We’re never going on one of those again.” 
Eli Grober
“Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time. That is the life of men."
 Zora Neale Hurston: “Their Eyes Were Watching God”

Travelling has for the moment been relegated to dreams for most of us. I immediately thought of this photo of a “ship” I took this January. Then I remembered a wonderful series of children’s books – The Edge Chronicles, by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell, with tales of sky pirates who travel above the clouds in ships made of buoyant wood.

For more posts inspired by the quote from Zora Neale Hurston, visit Travel with Intent.