[Milton-L] Kirmss Sculpture

[Carol Barton]

Let's not confuse tenor and vehicle here, gentlemen (and ladies): I 
took issue, as did Professor Flannagan, with *the content* of 
McGrath's article, which creates new negative mythologies, and 
perpetuates old ones, all in an ill-conceived attempt at "irony." As 
Mrs. Kirmss' explanation demonstrates, his inclusion of her husband's 
sculpture without elaboration of what it is and what it represents was 
as irresponsible as the rest of his "reportage."

I would not have commented on the sculpture at all, had it not borne 
such a resemblance to the head of the decapitated king. I did not see 
the article in hard copy (only online, via the link James Rovira 
provided, after Professor Flannagan's post), and I could not see the 
details. As I've already told Mrs. Kirmss privately, it would never 
have occurred to me that anyone would sculpt *either* "the Lady of 
Christ's" or the highly fastidious Martyr king with tongue extended in 
that fashion--and to me it looked like Charles' Van Dyck beard.

My issue was and remains with McGrath.