Subject
trip to Boston: The Botkin Class & butterfies origin
From
Date
Body
I had two Nabokovian moments on my recent trip to Boston:
1) I saw this amphora "attributed to The Botkin Class" in Museum of Fine
Arts - http://www.davidrumsey.com/amica/amico136454-23383.html. The museum
guide did not know the meaning of 'the Botkin Class' on the sign. It may
have something to do with The Botkin Collection in St. Petersburg in early
20th century. That however leaves "attribution" unclear as other displayed
items are attributed to Greek cities where they were created. May be "The
Botkin Class" attribution was a mistake and all that is - back reference to
original collection.
2) The text well displayed on summary wall of Butterfly Garden in Boston
Museum of Science states to stupefied child or spectator, in a matter of
established fact, that butterflies and humans have common great, great .
grandfather, graciously adding that the number of 'greats' is in thousands,
not in twos or threes. As if this helps to accept false science of common
sense, - also known as vulgarity. The hidden "scientist" had subtle Gogolean
touch of inspiration when choosing butterflies to put things to rest.
Admittedly curious child is more receptive to fraternity with butterflies
then, say, to simple flies or rats. On the other hand, Red Admiral in the
end of PF is indeed Hazel.
- George Shimanovich
Search the archive: http://listserv.ucsb.edu/archives/nabokv-l.html
Contact the Editors: mailto:nabokv-l@utk.edu,nabokv-l@holycross.edu
Visit Zembla: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/nabokov/zembla.htm
View Nabokv-L policies: http://web.utk.edu/~sblackwe/EDNote.htm
1) I saw this amphora "attributed to The Botkin Class" in Museum of Fine
Arts - http://www.davidrumsey.com/amica/amico136454-23383.html. The museum
guide did not know the meaning of 'the Botkin Class' on the sign. It may
have something to do with The Botkin Collection in St. Petersburg in early
20th century. That however leaves "attribution" unclear as other displayed
items are attributed to Greek cities where they were created. May be "The
Botkin Class" attribution was a mistake and all that is - back reference to
original collection.
2) The text well displayed on summary wall of Butterfly Garden in Boston
Museum of Science states to stupefied child or spectator, in a matter of
established fact, that butterflies and humans have common great, great .
grandfather, graciously adding that the number of 'greats' is in thousands,
not in twos or threes. As if this helps to accept false science of common
sense, - also known as vulgarity. The hidden "scientist" had subtle Gogolean
touch of inspiration when choosing butterflies to put things to rest.
Admittedly curious child is more receptive to fraternity with butterflies
then, say, to simple flies or rats. On the other hand, Red Admiral in the
end of PF is indeed Hazel.
- George Shimanovich
Search the archive: http://listserv.ucsb.edu/archives/nabokv-l.html
Contact the Editors: mailto:nabokv-l@utk.edu,nabokv-l@holycross.edu
Visit Zembla: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/nabokov/zembla.htm
View Nabokv-L policies: http://web.utk.edu/~sblackwe/EDNote.htm