“The Supper at Emmaus” by Caravaggio (1606)

Caravaggio baffles with the predominant darkness (i.e., scuro) of the contours in this warm and intimate chiaroscuro tableau that captures a very special and intimate moment: a dinner in the life of the Resurrected Christ after his encounter with two of his disciples – who had not recognized him – on the way to Emmaus.
The lighter effects (i.e., chiaro) put the focus on the three table mates, the language of the hands of each commensal and the single expressions.
Teaching and learning are two of the most important processes that accompany man throughout his entire life.
Both processes occur in all walks of life, although some occupations require lifelong study and commitment and this is the case for the legal profession.

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“Daidalos” by Louis Valentin Robert

Daedaleus, whose name is generally coupled with his son’s name, Icarus, was one of the greatest craftsmen of his times and perhaps of all times, if it’s true that to every myth there is always a kernel of veracity.
The reason he was requested to build the Labyrinth was to avoid that the Minotaur (monstrous half-bull and half-human creature) could escape.
King Minos, who was especially notorious for his ingratitude, instead of thanking him for having built the Labyrinth, thought to imprison Daedalus, along with his son Icarus, so that he could never reveal the secret of how the maze was built.
Daedalus being the genius and free spirit he was, could not be imprisoned for too long and found a way to escape: of course, we could not expect any lesser exploit from the greatest craftsman ever.

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“Norse Warrior and His Son” by Émile Laporte (1858-1907)

Very few are endowed with the rare gift of innate knowledge, the rest of us require someone to guide and show us the way in all facets of our lives.
Teaching starts at home, from our earliest childhood until we reach adulthood and beyond.
While our first steps are most likely to be encouraged by our mothers, our fathers play an equally important role.
Both have the precise duty to help us become full-fledged adults and honest citizens whose main aspiration should be to help society, and the world, become a “better place” also thanks to our personal contribution.

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“La Pensée” by Émile Louis Picault (1833-1915)

Ideas may be either the natural children of genius and creativity, or the offshoot of intense brainstorming, or even an urgent response to collective needs (whether these be conscious or not).
The artist’s sculpting skill masterfully embodies the birth of knowledge being delivered from the rock, with wings spread out and, just as the arrow, ready to take a heaven-bound flight, soaring towards the utter stretches of human science, as the torch of knowledge – the legacy of learning and cognizance come down to us from our ancestors through papyruses, parchments and books – which has been burning since the mists of time, and will continue doing so throughout the ages, its being one of the most fervent and natural quests of the human spirit.

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Stone Jar with Bronze Lid (after 1941)

Some of the most meaningful works of art have been occasionally created by the minds of ingenious, albeit anonymous artists or craftsmen. This is surely the case of a jar with a bronze lid, crafted by an anonymous artisan, or perhaps an artist, who was surely a dreamer with a fanciful imagination. Such artisan was inspired to transform a simple brick – salvaged from the wrecks of the House of Commons – into a jar with a bronze lid. 
The seal adorning one of the sides of the jar represents Saint George, Patron Saint of England, as a symbol of special protection, hope and ultimate victory over the “big bad dragon”. 
This particular jar represents in its simple lines how creativity, originality and ingenuity may create something out of a mere “nothing”.

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What Does It Take To Be an Equilibrist? Balance, of course, first and foremost.

Balance may be either inborn emotional, spiritual and physical equilibrium, as the result of natural characteristics and/or personal inner as well as physical strength, or may be acquired by means of sheer willpower and constant and painstaking exercise, combined with the steadfast intention to reach a particular goal, even when such goal is arduous or nearly impossible.
Equilibrium in a balancing act demands therefore ability, talent, courage, physical and emotional strength, willpower and poise even when faced with the risk of losing such balance and in that case, the true equilibrist may even falter but shall continue striving to reach the other end of the rope, without getting discouraged.

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