7
Early Observations Leading to this Inquiry
WHILE MUCH TIME has passed since that first encounter, I do remember those aspects which caused me to return a year later. These were the circle behind the central figure, the perimeter background of tall closely planted trees, the linked hands above the central Grace, and the circular shapes adorning Flora’s hair. Without being able to identify exactly why, each caused me to hesitate. This chapter describes those early observations leading to this enquiry and what can now be said about them. Narrowing down and defining the broad subject area or genre was the first step and the following observations suggested a possible direction – a direction which found support after the discovery of the painter’s concealed message one year into the inquiry
