I think many of you can recall similar awakenings in adolescence, in my case perusing the art book on the living room coffee table, of course turning the pages quickly in search of the Crucifixion paintings, glancing around discreetly, to assure privacy. Always enticed, but somewhat disappointed and confused, as by all the stories I'd read so far prisoners were stripped naked for the cross hangings. So why always the loin cloths. Turning page after page and then wow, this one, my young appendage instantly springs to life. I borrow this heavy tome, take it o my bedroom to enjoy in privacy. I'm under the covers now, magnifying glass in hand, scoping the scene, traveling in time back to ancient Rome. Two of the condemned are with loin cloths, blindfolded, secured with rope. One prisoner is to be made an example of, he is to be stripped naked and nailed for the extra agony. He's not JC, I dare not even think that. No blindfold, he must watch those in the crowd jest and point, stare fearfully as some of the more daring approach with spears, other devices of clever torture. Shouts from the crowd, "torture him more, spear his balls". And then some quick maneuvering on my part, I shoot a load, the jism barely missing this expensive volume. Wew!! Now that would have required some embarrassing explanation.
I have attached the art piece which inspired me, a Van Eyck painting cropped and in close up, much as I examined it, snugly under the bed covers.
Have others similar memories to share; inspiring paintings, etchings or even stories or movies?
