Near Nice 

Muirhead Bone captured this watercolor of the coastline, Near Nice, sometime in his lifetime, before 1953. The humble structure of a house perched high on the clifftop is reminiscent of the "tempietto," or small temple. Tempiettos are symbolic sites that mark sacred ground, places of transformation and spiritual significance, such as those found in Renaissance paintings. Now, let's consider this structure in the context of its location. It's overlooking water, evoking a sense of introspection and tranquility. Think of the long history of coastal retreats as places for spiritual renewal, from ancient Roman villas to monasteries nestled along the Mediterranean coast. This symbolic connection between architecture, landscape, and the human quest for meaning creates a powerful emotional undercurrent, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The image shows a non-linear, cyclical progression, in which the tempietto-like structure has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in this historical context.