During the past thirty years archaeologists have
reconstructed important areas of the city of Ephesus in what was Asia Minor,
now western Turkey. Although ranked a secondary discovery by comparison to the
major art work, the so called Winter Shades have an importantly obscure
presence to a small group of art historians. These scholars are referred to by
their academic name of Winterous Shaditis.
This small group of long-buried paintings and mosaics
are remarkable due to their very limited palette of neutral to very dark
colors. There is little evidence of any warm hues. Theory has it that it is the
celebration of the pagan Autumnal Equinox. A very cool time of the year.
Beside the almost colorless landscapes there is
pictured a series of erotic celebrants surrounding a large fire pit—only
instead of red hot flames there appears an ethereal cloud against a pale blue
sky. The flesh tones of the nude women and men stand out against the soft gray
and blue shades. Thus, the name Shadites.
Since this discovery, the temple of Winter Shades has
become a very popular tourist attraction, to rival the other majestic remains
of the city Ephesus, especially at the Autumnal Equinox when hotels and other
accommodations are fully booked by new celebrants of the “Winter Shades of the Goddess
Artemis”. There are many smoking pots now and luxurious warming rooms
segregated for all persuasions. The holiday lasts for about ten days and then
the ethereal clouds subside and collapse from exhaustion.
Make your reservations at least a year ahead for the
Shadite lecture series to be followed by the circle celebration.
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| Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, 6th Century BCE |
This concludes my Winter Shades lecture; but review
your notes and do further research as there will be an exam next week.
Anyone interested in a practice circle may attend rehearsal
on next Saturday at the university gym, 8 to 12 pm. Clothing not optional.
© 13 March 2017
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