Monster and Crown
In my previous shot I gave you a long description of how I feel the artistic images Daniel Herbert incorporated into the Ross Bridge were motivated by his concerns about the social injustices in Van Diemen's Land. He lays the blame right at the feet of the British Crown. Seditious stuff, and that's why he had to hide this inflammatory content among the sensuous curves of floral motifs.
Here's another example. This is on the north face one arch along from the rodent face. Look closely. It looks like a medieval gargoyle now doesn't it? The sort of grotesque figure you find on Notre Dame in Paris. The only difference here is that the monster is now very definitely a lion. And atop that mane sits the "uneasy" Crown.
But what is this "British" monster doing here? Ross was from the earliest days recognised as prime sheep grazing land. But a sheep is also a type for people. Not in the pejorative sense it has come to mean today, but in the way Jesus intended to use this pastoral simile. And remember William Blake's greatest poem "Jerusalem"? It is perhaps the most subversive nationalistic hymn ever (go on look it up and really read those words - Industrial Empire = "Dark satanic mills").
"And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?"
Surely not! Is this lamb here in Herbert's symbol "the holy Lamb of God"? Is Daniel Herbert suggesting that the oppression of the British Crown throughout the world (and really let's face it, ALL empires) is not just subjugating people, but Jesus Christ himself?
A prophet like Blake did say so, and Daniel Herbert (prophet) was saying so.
Prophet 2 - Empire 0.
Monster and Crown
In my previous shot I gave you a long description of how I feel the artistic images Daniel Herbert incorporated into the Ross Bridge were motivated by his concerns about the social injustices in Van Diemen's Land. He lays the blame right at the feet of the British Crown. Seditious stuff, and that's why he had to hide this inflammatory content among the sensuous curves of floral motifs.
Here's another example. This is on the north face one arch along from the rodent face. Look closely. It looks like a medieval gargoyle now doesn't it? The sort of grotesque figure you find on Notre Dame in Paris. The only difference here is that the monster is now very definitely a lion. And atop that mane sits the "uneasy" Crown.
But what is this "British" monster doing here? Ross was from the earliest days recognised as prime sheep grazing land. But a sheep is also a type for people. Not in the pejorative sense it has come to mean today, but in the way Jesus intended to use this pastoral simile. And remember William Blake's greatest poem "Jerusalem"? It is perhaps the most subversive nationalistic hymn ever (go on look it up and really read those words - Industrial Empire = "Dark satanic mills").
"And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?"
Surely not! Is this lamb here in Herbert's symbol "the holy Lamb of God"? Is Daniel Herbert suggesting that the oppression of the British Crown throughout the world (and really let's face it, ALL empires) is not just subjugating people, but Jesus Christ himself?
A prophet like Blake did say so, and Daniel Herbert (prophet) was saying so.
Prophet 2 - Empire 0.