In one of many photos I took at the Victor Emanuele II Monument back in 2015, this cute little cherub, a small part of a much larger sculpture, appears to be keeping a watchful eye over the adjoining piazza.

He seems so innocent while he holds a sword.
Is he aware of what it is that he holds? Is he ready for a fight?
Or does his naivety rule strongest in his mind, blissfully unaware of the irony he displays?

A messenger of love, wielding an instrument of death.

‘Winged Victory’ on the lower levels of Victor Emanuele II Monument. By an unknown sculptor.

This is one of a collection of many statues I photographed in Roma (Rome, Italy) in 2015 which I have turned into sketches.

While some are cast in bronze and others carved in marble or granite, they all demonstrate incredible craftsmanship and a dedication to a cause or conflict.

Predating Christ in many cases, all seem to have a common theme of religion, mythology and/or powerful people, be they emperors, goddesses, angels, gods, soldiers, ecclesiastical figures, or rulers and monarchs.

Although the original images are powerful in themselves, I chose to isolate them, simplify and enhance them so they may be viewed as individual pieces of ancient history. 

They can stand alone, or be collected as part of an ongoing series.

There is so much fun in nature.

I like to get up close and personal with the world around us and in doing so I discover unexpected beauty and wit.

This is a close-up of a flower no bigger than a 10c piece.
Its petals are curled and folded in such a way that it has a face.  It seems almost human.
Like a court jester, it is laughing at something. Mocking something.
What could that be? Me?
Whatever it is, like any laughter, it seems to be infectious.
The more I look at this image, the larger the smile is on my face.

They can stand alone, or be collected as part of an ongoing series.