My Word with Douglas E. Welch http://welchwrite.com/blog Photography, Design, Products and More! Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:12:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 http://welchwrite.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cropped-myword-artwork-lg-32x32.jpg My Word with Douglas E. Welch http://welchwrite.com/blog 32 32 Douglas E. Welch false Douglas E. Welch douglas@welchwrite.com © Douglas E. Welch © Douglas E. Welch podcast My Word with Douglas E. Welch http://welchwrite.com/blog/images/myword-artwork-itunes.jpg http://welchwrite.com/blog Bodleian Library Building, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/09/bodleian-2-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/09/bodleian-2-2/#respond Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:08:19 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36334  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A vertical, black and white photograph of an ornate, multi-story Gothic-sty Gothic-style stone building. A prominent central tower features intricate carvings, several statues set in niches, and multiple pointed pinnacles at its top. At the base of the tower, there is a large arched entryway, and the building's facade is covered with numerous rectangular windows of varying sizes, many with decorative stone mullions. The edges of the building's lower sections are lined with crenelated battlements and additional spires. The stone surface of the building appears aged, and the foreground consists of a dark, wet-looking pavement.

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and in Britain is second in size only to the British Library. Together, the Bodleian Libraries hold over 13 million printed items. First opened to scholars in 1602, it incorporates an earlier library built by the University in the 15th century to house books donated by Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester. Since 1602, it has expanded, slowly at first but with increasing momentum over the last 150 years, to keep pace with the ever-growing accumulation of books, papers, and other materials, but the core of the old buildings has remained intact. – Bodleian Library

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/09/bodleian-2-2/feed/ 0 full Madonna and Child, Francesco Laurana and workshop, Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/09/madonna/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/09/madonna/#respond Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:47:32 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36329 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A white marble sculpture of two figures is set against a solid dark blue background. The larger figure has a veiled head and eyes cast downward, wearing draped clothing with dark blue trim. A smaller child is held on the arm of the larger figure, wearing a simple, pleated tunic. The child's arm reaches across the chest of the larger figure, while the larger figure' figure's hands support the child's body. Strong lighting from the left creates deep shadows across the marble folds and facial features.

Francesco Laurana and workshop
Vrana (Dalmatia), 1420? – Avignon, 1502
Madonna and Child
called Madonna del popolo

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/09/madonna/feed/ 0 full Thomas Bodley Statue, Bodleian Library Courtyard, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/08/bodleian-3/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/08/bodleian-3/#respond Thu, 08 Oct 2026 15:19:25 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36324  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A dark, patterned metal statue of an armored figure stands in the foreground against an ornate, light-colored stone building. The figure has a beard and mustache, wearing highly detailed armor with a sash across the chest and one hand resting on the hip. Behind the statue, a stone archway contains a plaque with carved decorative elements. The text on the plaque reads: QVOD FELICITER VORTAT ACADEMICI OXONIENS BIBLIOTHECAM HANC VOBIS REIPVBLA EQVE LITERATORVM T. B. P. The top of the image features a series of pointed, Gothic-style stone arches.

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and in Britain is second in size only to the British Library. Together, the Bodleian Libraries hold over 13 million printed items. First opened to scholars in 1602, it incorporates an earlier library built by the University in the 15th century to house books donated by Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester. Since 1602, it has expanded, slowly at first but with increasing momentum over the last 150 years, to keep pace with the ever-growing accumulation of books, papers, and other materials, but the core of the old buildings has remained intact. – Bodleian Library

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/08/bodleian-3/feed/ 0 full Byzantine mosaic fragment titled Head of St. Peter (circa 1210), Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/08/mosaic-3/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/08/mosaic-3/#respond Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:49:54 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36319 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A mosaic portrait of a person's head and shoulders, created with small, multi-colored tiles. The face is composed of light-colored tiles, featuring large dark eyes with black and red outlines. A long, thin nose and a full, textured brown beard and mustache are visible. A large, bright gold-colored area surrounds the head. The entire image is made of small, individual square-shaped tiles in shades of gold, brown, white, and black..

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/08/mosaic-3/feed/ 0 full Bodleian Library Courtyard 2, Oxford, UK http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/06/bodleian-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/06/bodleian-2/#respond Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:10:23 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36314  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A large, ornate, Gothic-style stone building overlooks a wet, paved courtyard under an overcast sky. The building features vertical ribbed masonry, battlements along the roofline, and several pointed decorative pinnacles. A large, arched window with multiple panes is prominent on the upper level, positioned above an arched doorway. In the courtyard, a dark statue of a figure stands near two black informational signboards. The wet, wet, dark stone pavement reflects the surrounding architecture.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/06/bodleian-2/feed/ 0 full Madonna and Child Enthroned Mosaic, Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/06/mosaic-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/06/mosaic-2/#respond Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:37:04 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36309 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

An arched mosaic set within a recessed niche depicts several figures against a gold background. A large central figure wearing a dark blue robe with gold borders and a gold halo sits on a throne, holding a smaller figure with a gold halo on their lap. To the bottom left, a smaller figure in a red garment stands facing the central figure. A decorative, colorful border of green, red, and blue patterns lines the interior of the arch.

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/06/mosaic-2/feed/ 0 full Bodleian Library Courtyard, Oxford, UK http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/05/bodelian/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/05/bodelian/#respond Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:33:46 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36304  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A large, multi-story, Gothic-style stone building forms the corner of an enclosed, paved courtyard. The light-colored stone walls feature many vertical ribs, pointed arch windows, and several thin spires along the roofline. A prominent window with intricate stone tracery is visible on an upper floor. In the courtyard, a dark statue of a person stands on a small pedestal.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/05/bodelian/feed/ 0 full Greek Votive Heads, Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/05/greek-votives/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/05/greek-votives/#respond Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:07:43 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36299 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A collection of small, tan-colored fragments, shaped like heads and necks, is displayed inside a glass case. The objects are held upright by clear acrylic stands on a glass shelf. Some fragments show visible facial features, such as eyes and mouths. The background consists of a blurred, brightly lit indoor environment with metal-framed display structures. The pieces vary in shade from light beige to medium brown.

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/05/greek-votives/feed/ 0 full The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/04/sheldonian-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/04/sheldonian-2/#respond Sun, 04 Oct 2026 20:40:20 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36294  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A full-length shot of an ornate, circular stone building topped with a green dome under an overcast sky. The building features multiple levels of windows, including arched windows on the lower level and rectangular windows on the upper level, with decorative stone carvings and busts along its facade. A white, windowed cylindrical structure sits above the main building, supporting a green dome. Black iron railings surround the base of the building, where two people—one in a bright yellow raincoat and another holding a black umbrella—are walking near the entrance..

The Sheldonian Theatre, in the centre of Oxford, England, was built from 1664 to 1669 after a design by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls College and later chancellor of the university. Sheldon was the project’s main financial backer. The theatre is used for music concerts, lectures and university ceremonies, but was not used for drama until 2015 when the Christ Church Dramatic Society staged a production of The Crucible by Arthur Miller.- Wikipedia

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/04/sheldonian-2/feed/ 0 full Baroque mascaron (grotesque sculpted face), Quattro Fontane, Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/04/face/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/04/face/#respond Sun, 04 Oct 2026 20:13:18 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36288 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A close-up, low-angle shot shows a detailed, light-colored stone sculpture of a face from a fountain.. The sculpture features large, deep-set eyes with prominent pupils, a rounded nose, and a slightly open mouth. Intricate, swirling stone patterns form the forehead, cheeks, and brow, creating a highly textured appearance. A textured, downward-pointing element sits at the base of the chin, and fine cracks are visible across the stone surface.

“After the 1908 earthquake, only two of them were reassembled in situ, while the others, more fragmentary, were taken to the Museum and subsequently reassembled. These latter ones can be identified as the oldest, and in particular the first on the right (as you approach from the old museum entrance), surmounted by the Habsburg imperial coat of arms, is thought to be the one executed by Mangani and displays a more refined quality of execution. The opposite one, colder and more schematic, is thought to have been created under the Savoy dynasty”. – Regional Museum of Messina

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/04/face/feed/ 0 full Decoration, The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/03/sheldonian/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/03/sheldonian/#respond Sat, 03 Oct 2026 18:15:47 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36282  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A low-angle shot of a stone building facade featuring intricate classical carvings and multiple tiers. At the top, a detailed coat of arms with a crown and shield is situated below rectangular windows, with an inscription below the windows. A thick stone garland drapes beneath the crest, positioned above arched windows decorated with carved figures. Two rectangular stone panels below the garland feature relief carvings of figures in decorative attire. Two black-framed lanterns are mounted on the side walls, flanking a dark wooden double door at the base of the structure.

The Sheldonian Theatre, in the centre of Oxford, England, was built from 1664 to 1669 after a design by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls College and later chancellor of the university. Sheldon was the project’s main financial backer. The theatre is used for music concerts, lectures and university ceremonies, but was not used for drama until 2015 when the Christ Church Dramatic Society staged a production of The Crucible by Arthur Miller.- Wikipedia

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/03/sheldonian/feed/ 0 full Reconstruction, Quattro Fontane, Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/03/fontane/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/03/fontane/#respond Sat, 03 Oct 2026 17:38:44 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36277 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A low-angle, full shot of an ornate, multi-tiered stone monument or fountain set against a bright blue sky with white clouds. The structure features intricate carvings of large shells, swirling patterns, and various sculptural figures. A prominent feature in the center is a scowling face with wide eyes and a furrowed brow. Below this, two sculpted, sculpted, animal-like figures sit on the edges of tiered stone basins. Bright sunlight illuminates the scene, creating a slight glare, with green foliage visible on the right side of the frame.

“After the 1908 earthquake, only two of them were reassembled in situ, while the others, more fragmentary, were taken to the Museum and subsequently reassembled. These latter ones can be identified as the oldest, and in particular the first on the right (as you approach from the old museum entrance), surmounted by the Habsburg imperial coat of arms, is thought to be the one executed by Mangani and displays a more refined quality of execution. The opposite one, colder and more schematic, is thought to have been created under the Savoy dynasty”. – Regional Museum of Messina

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/03/fontane/feed/ 0 full Oxford Scene 1, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/02/oxford-scene-1/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/02/oxford-scene-1/#respond Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:26:08 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36270  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A low-angle view of several large, stone buildings under an overcast sky. On the left, the side of a stone building features windows with white frames. In the center, a blue-grey dome is visible behind a tall, thin spire and other pointed structures. To the right, a massive stone building features many vertical windows and decorative carvings. The sky above the buildings is a pale, uniform grey.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/02/oxford-scene-1/feed/ 0 full Ex Ospedale Regina Margherita, Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/02/ospedale/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/02/ospedale/#respond Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:29:13 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36265 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A black and white photograph shows a large, multi-story building with classical architectural details. The light-colored building features ornate cornices, decorative window moldings, and small balconies with railings. Several air conditioning units are mounted below some of the windows. Dark, leafy trees and branches frame the building on the left and right sides of the frame. A sky with soft clouds is visible above the building's roofline.

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/02/ospedale/feed/ 0 full Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs) 2, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/01/hertford-2/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/01/hertford-2/#respond Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:37:26 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36260  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

An ornate, stone architectural structure featuring a large arch spans between two buildings. Above the arch, the structure contains several arched windows with dark, leaded glass panes and rectangular windows separated by decorative stone pilasters. A decorative stone crest is centered on the facade above the arch. Through the archway, a building with a green dome and a white cupola is visible in the background. Additional stone buildings line the street under an overcast sky.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/01/hertford-2/feed/ 0 full Wheel, Senatorial Sedan (1742), Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/01/carriage/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/01/carriage/#respond Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:07:28 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36254 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A large, highly ornate wheel featuring gold gilding and deep red accents is the central focus of the image. The wheel's outer rim is red with gold-c gold-colored borders, and its numerous spokes are covered in intricate, gilded sculptural elements. The central hub is dark with gold detailing, and the interior of the wheel contains complex, gold-colored carvings. To the left, a portion of another elaborate gold structure is visible. The wheel sits on a dark grey tiled floor in front of a white wall..

“The Senate Carriage of Messina was created in 1742 by the woodcarver Domenico Biondo and Letterio Paladino, among the finest interpreters of the new 18th-century pictorial language, who created the elegant painted decorations. The carriage comes from the Palazzo Senatorio. Constructed of carved, gilded, and painted wood, it represents one of the finest testimonies to the city’s glorious past. Used during solemn celebrations, it was pulled by three pairs of horses and carried the senators and the toga-clad “Master Notary.”” – Il Museo Regionale Di Messina

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/10/01/carriage/feed/ 0 full Edmund Halley House, Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/30/halley/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/30/halley/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:59:42 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36248  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A vertical photograph features a textured, tan-colored stone pillar in the foreground with a black plaque mounted on it. The plaque displays a gold illustration of a comet above the text EDMOND HALLEY 1656 - 1742 in gold lettering. To the right, a black wrought-iron fence with pointed tips runs vertically. Behind the pillar and fence, a multi-story red brick building with white-framed windows is visible. Green tree branches partially frame the right side of the building.

“Edmond Halley was appointed the next Savilian Professor of Geometry in January 1703/4 and is believed to have moved here two months later as a sub-tenant under the lease that John Wallis had held from New College. In 1705 an observatory was built for him on his home. As well as a mathematician, Edmond Halley was an astronomer, geophysicist, meteorologist, and physicist, and a friend of Isaac Newton. In 1682 he observed the comet that was named after him, and in 1684 computed its orbit.” From OxfordHistory.org.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/30/halley/feed/ 0 full Wooden Tabernacle, Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/30/tabernacle/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/30/tabernacle/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:16:02 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36242 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A large, multi-tiered, and intricately carved dark wood structure stands against a plain, light-colored background. The base of the structure features several arched alcoves flanked by numerous small, spiral-patterned spiral-patterned columns and detailed decorative panels. The middle section contains larger arched niches, more prominent columns, and elaborate carvings of floral garlands and fruit motifs. The structure is crowned by a large, rounded dome with a scale-like texture and a small finial at the peak. Dramatic lighting highlights the polished surfaces of the wood and creates deep shadows within the intricate carvings.

Isolated work by Friar Ludovico Calascibetta from Petralia Sottana (attributed) (first quarter of the 18th century) circa 1700 – before 1729

The word means “dwelling place”. In a church, it is the fixed, secure box that houses the Eucharist outside of Mass.

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/30/tabernacle/feed/ 0 full Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs), Oxford, UK [Photography] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/29/hertford-bridge/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/29/hertford-bridge/#respond Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:32:47 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36233  This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

Hertford bridge oxford 2026 2.

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]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/29/hertford-bridge/feed/ 0 full Nativity (1569), Rinaldo Bonanno, Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy [Christmas Cards and More Available] http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/29/nativity/ http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/29/nativity/#respond Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:57:23 +0000 http://welchwrite.com/blog/?p=36228 This is part of a series of photos from our trip to Sicily and Oxford, UK in September 2026

A high-relief marble sculpture depicts several figures divided into two main horizontal sections. The top section contains a group of winged, naked infant figures floating amongst clouds, with one figure holding a small lyre. In the bottom section, a cluster of figures surrounds a small, naked infant resting in a low, circular basket. On the left, two larger figures stand near a vertical column, with one leaning towards the center. On the right, several muscular figures are gathered, all oriented towards the infant in the center.

Purchase this artwork as a Christmas Card

Find all my Christmas Cards

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Books about Sicily – Fiction and Non-Fiction




]]> http://welchwrite.com/blog/2026/09/29/nativity/feed/ 0 full