Jan

Art Discoveries: The Mystery in the Ceiling

by Meredith Mullins on January 25, 2021

A Humbert painting unveiled via curtain, showing art discovers that can inspire travels to the past. (Image © Meredith Mullins and Charlie Meagher.)

What treasure is hidden in this Paris ceiling?
© Meredith Mullins/Charlie Meagher

Follow the Clues & Travel Through History

The world loves stories about surprising art discoveries—treasures that are unearthed via bizarre circumstances and that send the finder on a compelling journey, perhaps including travels through history.

In 1940, four teenagers followed their dog down a narrow cavern and found cave walls filled with hundreds of prehistoric paintings—the now famous Lascaux caves in France.

Cave painting of a horse from the Lascaux caves, showing that art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image courtesy of the French Ministry of Culture.)

A dog discovered the famous Lascaux cave paintings.
(Photo courtesy of the French Ministry of Culture)

An Arizona man sorted through things as he was getting ready to move to a retirement home. He found a few posters that he thought might be valuable and invited an appraiser to take a look. The appraiser’s eye wandered to a painting in the corner that had belonged to the man’s sister, a New York art collector. The discovery—a Jackson Pollock—perhaps worth millions once authenticated.
The photographic talent of eccentric nanny Vivian Maier was discovered when a storage locker was auctioned off after her death. It was filled with negatives she had never shared with anyone—street photography of New York and Chicago that captured the stark and beautiful reality of an unposed world.

Unexpected Surprises Close to Home

Often for such rewarding journeys, there’s no place like home.

Douglas and Claudie Hawes were about to move into a house that had been built in 1854 in the New Athens area of Paris.

This corner of the 9^tharrondissement was an upscale neighborhood with Greek-inspired mansions established around 1820 on the slope of the Montmartre hill. The area gained fame for celebrity inhabitants, including George Sand, Chopin, Delacroix, and Gustav Moreau.

As part of the house remodeling project, Claudie’s son removed a large white plastic sheet from the ceiling of the bedroom.

The uncovering revealed a sweeping overhead painting of a nude woman, reclining somewhere between earth and heaven, painted in the romantic realism style of the late 1800s. The painting had been hidden by the previous tenants—an order of monks.

A ceiling painting by Ferdinand Humbert in Paris, showing that art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The mystery painting in the ceiling
© Meredith Mullins

The signature in the corner of the painting was barely visible, so the artist remained a mystery—a puzzle to be solved years later by a local gallerist who confirmed the signature as F. Humbert. Not a familiar name . . . but an open door to an adventure of discovery.

The ethereal Venus had landed in the right house. The Hawes were an inherently curious couple. They loved the art of research—where each fact discovered leads to several new paths. Where puzzle pieces begin to fit together. Where, as with today’s internet rabbit holes and hours lost in click-frenzied treasure hunts, a dramatic story can unfold and characters emerge.

Claudie and Douglas Hawes, showing that art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Claudie and Douglas Hawes embark on new adventures in their search
to discover more about Humbert.
© Meredith Mullins

Discovering Humbert: A Noted Artist of His Time

A google search of Ferdinand-Jacques Humbert (1842–1934) does not reveal much. Such a short bio seems strange for an artist whose work was commissioned for some of the most famous buildings in Paris.

Ferdinand Humbert Self-Portrait
(Public Domain)

This lack of documentation made the Hawes’ research more difficult but also inspired them to write a book that would pay tribute to his contributions. They felt he was unjustly forgotten.

Pantheon Panels by Ferdinand Humbert, proving the value of art discoveries. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Pro Patria, commissioned murals by Ferdinand Humbert in the Paris Pantheon
© Meredith Mullins

Humbert’s eight panels in the Pantheon are in a place of honor. He captures the history and spirit of the Republic in the work titled Pro Patria (For the Homeland). The paintings took more than 25 years to finish, completed in 1900, because Humbert had to change the designs multiple times to meet the government’s changing priorities.

Idée de Famille, One of the Humbert murals in the Pantheon in Paris, proving the value of art discoveries. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Idée de Famille (Idea of the Family)—One of the Humbert murals in the Pantheon
© Meredith Mullins

Humbert reaches great heights in the Petit Palais, with two triumphant ceiling paintings—“The Triumph of Paris” and “The Triumph of the Intellectual.” This project took many years as well, interrupted by WW I. He completed the project when he was 81, with the help of his artist son André.

Paintings by Ferdinand Humbert in the Petit Palais in Paris, showing that art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Humbert’s paintings reach new heights in the Petit Palais.
© Meredith Mullins

Humbert’s paintings also oversee marriage after marriage in the Salle de Mariage in the Mairie of the 15^tharrondissement in Paris (the City Hall of the 15th arrondissement).

A painting by Ferdinand Humbert in the Salle de Mariage of the 15th arrondissement in Paris, showing that art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The Salle de Mariage in the Mairie of the 15th arrondissement of Paris
© Meredith Mullins

More Art Discoveries: The Women in Humbert’s Life

The Hawes continued their research and discovered Humbert’s talent for painting portraits of women as well as his unique teaching role as a supporter of women artists (not so common in the early 20^thcentury), including students Marie Laurencin and Marguerite Carpentier.

As the Hawes worked to identify the subjects of the portraits, they met a gallerist who knew the goddaughter of one of the most frequent subjects. They visited the goddaughter, Monique Bouvier, in the Loire Valley and learned the story of her godmother Geneviève Dehelly, a well-known pianist.

Portrait of Geneviève Dehelly by Humbert
© Meredith Mullins

Monique provided photographs and letters showing the friendship of Dehelly and Humbert. In true soap opera form, Humbert was in love with Dehelly, but Dehelly loved another.

A old photograph in the foreground and Douglas Hawes in the background, showing that art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Finding clues in old letters and photographs
© Meredith Mullins

Dehelly’s soulmate was the poetess Jehanne d’Orliac. They worked together as a creative literature/music team, writing and performing together. They are buried together in Tours.

Another piece of the puzzle arrived in the form of the play “La Massière” (Translation: “The Treasurer”). The playwright Frédérick Lemaître was a good friend of Humbert. He wrote about Humbert’s artistic life and added insight into his character (if the dramatic interpretation is to be seen as based on some truth).

Portrait of Genevieve Dehelly with dramatic hat by Ferdinand Humbert, showing how art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Humbert’s tribute to his love and favorite portrait subject
© Meredith Mullins

The Mystery Portrait

The Hawes interest in Humbert grew with each new discovery, so they decided to acquire their own original work. A portrait, “Young Woman with Pipe,” came up for auction in Germany. The Hawes were the winning bidders.

They believed the model to be perhaps a prominent subject for painters of the day. But who is it? The mystery, for the moment, remains.

Young Woman with Pipe by Ferdinand Humbert in France, showing that art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image © Douglas Hawes.)

“Young Woman with Pipe” is now a part of the Hawes collection.
© Douglas Hawes

The Adventure Continues

The Hawes continue with their treasure hunt, but will bring these first chapters to a close as they finish their book for publication this year.

Ferdinand Humbert's painting on the ceiling of the Salle de Mariage of the 15th arrondissement, showing how art discoveries can lead to new adventures and travels to the past. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Ferdinand Humbert’s painting on the ceiling of the Salle de Mariage
of the 15th arrondissement
© Meredith Mullins

Oh, I see. As proven here, art discoveries can spark a journey and can open up worlds that have not yet been explored.

With that inspiring goal, let’s celebrate the start of 2021. Here’s to a new year, full of adventures, intriguing discoveries, and exploration both virtual and real.

Comment on this post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.

Meredith Mullins 6 Comments

France/France (Paris)/Travels to the Past

Dec

In the Kitchen with OIC: Cooking with Spice!

by Joyce McGreevy on December 21, 2020

Nistha Trehun teaches an online class on cooking with spices, using Indian tradition as inspiration for any cuisine you like. (Image © by Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party)

Live from Berlin, Nistha shares the art and science of spices with people around the world.
© Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party

Nistha’s Top Ingredient: Indian Tradition

What’s in your spice collection? And how long has it been there? Even confident home chefs can feel intimidated when it comes to cooking with spices. Sure, we regularly summon familiar favorites into culinary action. But are they favorites because they’re familiar?

Meanwhile, turmeric, cardamom, fenugreek, and other spices may languish in a cupboard, their magic wasting away, if we’re not sure how to use them.

Cue Nistha to the rescue. The India-born, Berlin-based chef (whose name in Sanskrit means “trust”) helps people around the world spice things up—from everyday cooking and eating to their health and even how they learn.

Oh, I see: Inspired by the Indian tradition of cooking with spice, Nistha Trehun is on a mission to enhance our appreciation of food in general.

An array of spices shows why the Indian tradition of cooking with spices helps create a variety of tastes, flavors, and colors. (Image by Veganamente and Pixabay)

Beyond bottled lookalikes: Spices reflect a rich variety of form and function.
Veganamente/ Pixabay

Kitty in the Kitchen

As with many chefs, Nistha’s fascination with cooking began early. Growing up in northern India, she lived in a 20-room house with her extended family and a kitchen that offered the lively appeal and rich aromas of a restaurant.

“When I was really young, I used to tell my mom, ‘I want to cut onions,’ and she would give me a very small knife, not that sharp. I would have tears the whole time, but still I wanted to cut them.”

Despite her keen interest, “Kitty,” as her family called her, was mostly kept out of the kitchen, as were the other children. Why?

“In [my mom’s] generation, parents always wanted the girls to learn cooking. But while I was growing up times had changed, and for my parents, education became the only thing that mattered. So, I studied. A lot.”

Nistha’s discipline earned her a gold medal, graduation at the top of her class, and a degree in business administration.

“In my college, everybody would say, ‘I want to be an engineer or a doctor.’ And I was saying, ‘I want to open a culinary business and name it The Kitty Party.’”

Today, The Kitty Party is a flourishing, moveable feast that mirrors Nistha’s love of travel. She actually launched the business in South Korea when she and her husband transferred there for work. She quickly fell in love with Seoul. “I went walking every day and know every street in the city.”

A close-up of students in Nistha’s class shows how the Indian tradition of cooking with spices extends to desserts and pastries. (Image © by Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party)

With on-site classes like this on pause, Nistha creates hands-on experiences online.
© Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party

So Many Questions

As her in-person culinary events proved popular with locals and travelers alike, a common theme emerged.

“People had so many questions about spices! Because it was my first time out of India, that came as a surprise to me.” Until then, Nistha had assumed that everybody grew up with daily exposure to the traditions and techniques of cooking with spices.

For example, many people know cumin as a powder that they sprinkle, last minute, into Western adaptations of cross-cultural dishes. But in India, cumin is so much more—a virtuoso seed that produces numerous flavors depending on its origin and variety, and how it is stored, heated, crushed, milled, measured, and combined.

A supper dish beautifully presented shows the creative possibilities of cooking with spices using Indian tradition as inspiration. (Image © by Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party)

“Combining spice with another ingredient builds dimensions of flavor that did not exist before.”
© Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party

Nistha also discovered that she loved answering people’s questions. Combining scholarly drive with her passion for spices, she redoubled her research and experimentation and set out to share her mission: “To teach that whatever your style is, whatever your taste, you can still use spices in your own cooking. You do not need to cook Indian for that.”

Spices, she says, are something that everybody should eat, not because they’re Indian, but because they are healthy. And she enjoys dispelling misconceptions about spices, such as the notion that “spicy” always equals heat.

“People often assume that by spices, I mean chilies, but there are also many spices that help preserve the flavor of food.”

After Seoul, Nistha, her husband, and The Kitty Party, moved to their current home in Berlin. When the pandemic put customer foot traffic on pause, Nistha didn’t miss a beat. She simply moved the party online.

Nicknamed “The Dancing Chef,” she enlivens her online events with dance breaks and personal stories. Recently, she hosted a celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with students who logged on from Mexico.

Nistha sporting a vivid turmeric-colored shirt shows how cooking with spices based on Indian tradition also feeds her creativity. (Image © by Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party)

“This is my turmeric shirt.” Nishta invites students to wear their favorite spice colors.
© Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party

Worldwide Spice Advice? Nice!

This combination of cultural tradition, culinary insight, and sheer fun has made Nistha a top-rated presenter on Airbnb Online Experiences.

Her audience represents almost every continent. It includes couples and college students new to cooking, families enjoying togetherness across time zones, Fortune 500 employees engaged in team building, travelers from Brazil to Taiwan to Kuwait, professional chefs across Europe, and even a chef’s assistant from Antarctica.

Nistha’s events cover a wide range, too. Students can opt to cook a full meal, prepare traditional Indian beverages or desserts, or explore a single seasoning. Or, under Nistha’s guidance, they may combine spices they already have with foods so simple (bread, cucumber, a steamed vegetable) that anyone can easily participate.

Regardless of topic, unlocking the power of spice always takes center stage.

A turmeric latte garnished with star anise and edible flowers show why cooking with spices based on Indian tradition involves more than just adding a dash of powder. (Image © by Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party)

Star anise and edible flowers garnish an elegant turmeric latte.
© Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party

“People are especially fascinated by turmeric, but often have no idea how to use it,” says Nistha.

She recalls the man who kept turmeric in his cupboard for 17 years because it seemed too precious to use. The woman whose friends believed turmeric pills and health drinks could substitute for foods. The people who bought chain-store lattes sprinkled with turmeric and were disappointed with the taste.

Nistha smiles. “You can’t just sprinkle on turmeric. It needs to be gently heated in good fat for a few seconds to release curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory. This also removes bitterness. In India, people call turmeric a ‘holy spice’ because it helps keep disease at bay.”

As for subbing supplements for food, Nistha wonders why anyone would deny themselves the social practice, celebration, and sensory experience of cooking and sharing a good meal.

“When we eat something, we are not just mechanically satisfying our nutritional need like an appliance charging its battery. We smell the aroma, see the colors, feel the textures, and most important of all we satisfy our tastebuds.”

A cook booklet, The Simple Spice Box Recipes, by Nistha Terun, sums up the art and science of cooking with spices based on Indian tradition. (Image © by Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party)

Nistha’s new recipe booklet is a tribute to her favorite Indian spices.
© Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party

Nistha also emphasizes that cooking with spice from the Indian subcontinent does not apply only to recipes based on Indian tradition. After all, she says, people who like olive oil don’t use it only for Italian food.

“I’m not here to teach you complicated menus. I want to teach the power of each ingredient.” What you cook, she says, can be as simple as a one-pot meal.

In short, any day’s the right day to spice up your life. Says Nistha, “We can’t afford to lose these small pleasures of life if we want to thrive as humans.”

Nistha teaching by Zoom from Berlin combines the festivities of December with the fun of cooking with spices based on Indian tradition. (Image © by Nistha Trehun, The Kitty Party)

Need a “seasonal” gift with lasting appeal? Click here.
© Joyce McGreevy

Follow Nistha on Instagram and Facebook. Explore The Kitty Party here.

Comment on the post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.

Joyce McGreevy 2 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/India/The World's Chefs

Dec

Happy National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day

by Meredith Mullins on December 15, 2020

Chocolate covered strawberries, showing the cultural traditions of Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image © iStock/5second.)

Celebrating chocolate in the best possible ways
© iStock/5second

Savoring the Cultural Traditions of Chocolate

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.
—Charles M. Schultz

Have you ever had a craving for chocolate-covered bacon? How about chocolate jalapeños? Could you resist a chocolate-covered mushroom?

Despite the challenges of the year 2020, we should rightfully honor any national day that delivers pure joy. One of those days that rises to the top of the bliss list is National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day (December 16). So, let’s celebrate its cultural traditions.

Boy with a chocolate mouth, showing the cultural traditions of chocolate on National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Someone who knows how to celebrate chocolate
© Meredith Mullins

Just how this accolade came about, no one really knows. And I’d venture to say, no one really cares about the origins when the tribute involves such sweet reward for both chocoholics and chocolatiers.

A chocolate elf workshop, showing cultural traditions of National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Chocolate artisans take full advantage of the holiday spirit
(in this case, a chocolate elf workshop by Paris master Patrick Roger)
© Meredith Mullins

Every Chocolate Has Its Day

Life is good when there’s a day when you can dip anything you want in chocolate and drizzle or cover familiar and unconventional edibles with the “food of the gods” (which is how chocolate has been known since its early days in Olmec/Aztec/Mayan civilizations when it appeared as a spicy drink).

hot chocolate, showing the cultural traditions of National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image from PxHere.)

From Mayan spicy cocoa to the souped up American version of today
Photo courtesy of PxHere

There are other national chocolate days that try to compete—at least one every month. For example:

Chocolate-Covered Cherries Day (January 3)
Chocolate Soufflé Day (February 28)
Chocolate-Covered Raisins Day (March24)
Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day (April 21)
Chocolate Mousse Day (May 2)
Chocolate Pudding Day (June 26)
Milk Chocolate Day (July 28)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (August 4)
Chocolate Milkshake Day (September 12)
Chocolate Cupcake Day (October 18)
Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day (November 7)

It’s fitting to give each of those days justifiable attention, but only the egalitarian Chocolate-Covered Anything Day embraces diversity and welcomes experimental pairings of all kinds. There are no rules. You have a blank canvas. Chocolate anarchy.

Brownie covered in chocolate sauce, showing cultural traditions of National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image by PxHere.)

There are no rules about chocolate on chocolate.
Photo courtesy of PxHere

Dipping Favorites

The most common “anythings” to be dipped in chocolate are favorites, such as ice cream, donuts, and things that are already chocolate, like brownies or the enigmatic morsels in the traditional chocolate box where speculative theory and intuition about what is hidden inside often lead us astray. (How do you put the dreaded toffee back after you’ve taken a bite?)

As Forrest Gump learned . . .

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.

A box of chocolates, showing the cultural traditions of National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image from PxHere.)

Life’s eternal mystery—what lies within
Photo courtesy of PxHere

Gaining favor at reception chocolate fountains and chocolate fondue parties is the fruit world. Just about every fruit works well with a little chocolate coating—from everyday apples, oranges, and bananas to exotic kiwi, mangos, and watermelon.

chocolate fondue and fruit, showing cultural traditions of National Chocolate-covered Anything Day. (Photo © iStock/margoullatphotos.)

Some food historians say that chocolate covered cherries were the first fruit to be enrobed in chocolate. This innovation arrived in the 1700s, when the French covered cherries with chocolate and kirsch (cherry brandy).

chocolate-covered cherry, showing the cultural traditions of chocolate for National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image from PxHere.)

Sweet chocolate-covered cherries, with a bit of cordial as an added bonus
Photo courtesy of PxHere

Chocolate lore gives a Chicago woman credit for the first chocolate dipped strawberries—in the 1960s. The two main ingredients were imagined aphrodisiacs, so it’s no wonder they became popular right away (and remain so today).

Chocolate-covered watermelon, showing cultural traditions of National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Photo © Meredith Mullins.)

Opposites Attract

As in human nature, odd pairings often make the most interesting experiments. Partnering sweet chocolate with salty and crunchy friends works well in taste and texture.

Try potato chips, pretzels, biscotti, French fries, peanut brittle, coffee beans, and pickles with a coat of chocolate. Nuts are a no brainer. They are perfect as a chocolate-coated treat.

chocolate-covered pretzels, showing cultural traditions of chocolate for National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image from PxHere.)

Partnering sweet and salty can be a successful friendship.
Photo courtesy of PxHere

As part of the creative culinary chocolate path, rubbing chocolate on steak or creating a chocolate wine sauce for beef is surprisingly good.

Mexican cultures have always used chocolate in their cooking, for example in the delicious molé sauce that combines chilies and chocolate. And don’t forget your daily servings of vegetables.

Chocolate-covered vegetables, showing cultural traditions for National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Although we let National Chocolate Covered Insects Day (October 14) slip by without much fanfare, we can add crunchy ants, scorpions, and crickets to the mix, since they clearly fall into the category of “anything.”

Skewered scorpions, showing cultural traditions of chocolate for National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image by PxHere.)

These scorpions are just begging to be dipped in chocolate.
Photo courtesy of PxHere

If all this insect talk has made you hungry, you can order your own chocolate covered insects from several online suppliers. My favorite is Educational Innovations (a teacher supply site) that offers edible, farm-raised, chocolate-covered insects to give brave students (and you!) a taste of another world.

Chocolate covered insects, showing the cultural traditions of National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image courtesy of Educational Innovations.)

A tasty spread of farm-raised (edible) insects
Photo courtesy of Educational Innovations

International Flare

While the idea of “national days” is associated with U.S. culture, that doesn’t stop other countries from experimenting with chocolate coverings—from chocolate-covered edamame and chow mein noodles to a range of Kit Kat chocolate bar flavors in Japan, including adzuki (red bean), hojicha (green tea), and roasted corn.

Pancakes with chocolate sauce, showing cultural traditions of chocolate for National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image by PxHere.)

Start National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day with a breakfast drizzled with chocolate.
Photo courtesy of PxHere

Celebrating the Day

Chocolate is not only versatile, but can provide health benefits. It can introduce manganese, copper, and iron into your nutrition regimen and, some experts say, can relieve stress and supply antioxidants.

So, in the spirit of the holiday season and for chocolate lovers everywhere, why not celebrate National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day in style.

Chocolate and holiday boxes in a store window, showing the cultural traditions of chocolate on National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

Sit back with a chocolate rimmed margarita and decide what inventive creations you can smother in chocolate on this special day—to pay tribute to old and new cultural traditions.

Even the chocolate carving is smiling.
Photo courtesy of PxHere

Oh, I see. With a “food of the gods” and a treasure that some say releases the same chemicals as happens when falling in love, what have you got to lose?

For ten fun chocolate facts, see the OIC chocolate story here.