Gardens Evolving thru Time: 1700s Music & Families in Gardens by Philippe Mercier (French-born artist, 1689-1760)

Monday, January 6, 2020

1700s Music & Families in Gardens by Philippe Mercier (French-born artist, 1689-1760)

Philippe Mercier (French artist, 1689-1760) Prince of Wales and his sisters 1733 making music in the garden

Philippe Mercier (French artist, 1689-1760) The Schultz Family and their Friends on a Garden Terrace 1725

About this Blog

Initially mankind tries to gain some control over his constantly changing & often threatening natural surroundings by creating physical spaces to meet his basic needs for shelter, food, safety, & family. Across the Earth, prehistoric man's discovery that some plants harm & others heal was the origin searching for & eventually growing life-sustaining food & early medicines, as well as creating ancient myths about people & plants. A garden became a planned space set aside for the practical cultivation of edible & medicinal plants, and/or for the artistic display, & enjoyment of decorative plants. As centuries passed, many of the "well-to-do" transformed the gardens near their personal living spaces into art hoping to project a desired image of themselves to others - their wealth, power, refinement, & beliefs.