I was watching The History Channel a few weeks ago, and a special on British history referred to the early 17th century, in the time of Walpole, as the rise of the English Garden and the Stately Homes. Indeed the prosperity and supremacy of England were demonstrated by these elaborate parks and gardens, markedly contrasting to the rigidly geometric gardens of their French contemporaries - in effect, Domination through superior gardening!
It prompted me to start work on a pastoral scene, a simple pond and garden with trees. It's not based on any specific imagery - indeed, the architecture and combination of flora and fauna are entirely fanciful - but simply a pleasant image. But it still lacked 'something' - until I added a few swans. (There's also a frog, and a couple of dragonflies, but they don't show very well at this resolution)
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