JOHN LA FARGE (1835-1910)
Gunung Agung (3, 031m - 9,944 ft)
Indonesia (Bali)
The mountain
Gunung Agung (3, 031m - 9,944 ft) or Mount Agung, is a active volcano standing majestically on the eastern seaboard of Bali is the island’s highest mountain, located in the district of Karangasem. Mt. Agung affects its surrounding climate, its western slopes catching the rain clouds and making the west side lush and fertile, while its eastern slopes remains dry and barren.
The Balinese believe that Mt. Agung is the abode of the gods, and the volcano therefore is revered as sacred. It is on this mountain that the mother of all temples in Bali is located, called Pura Besakih. Entering the temple one has to climb hundreds of steps before reaching the main gate. But, fortunately, other staircases with easier climbs are available to make it easier for women carrying high mountains of offerings on their head to reach the temple.Although Mt. Agung inspires peace and tranquility, nonetheless, after 100 years of slumber, on 17 March 1963 the volcano burst violently, spewing ash and volcanic materials 8 to 10 km high into the air while pyroclastic clouds rolled down all sides of the mountain. Over a thousand people perished that day. And the entire surrounding down to Kintamani was blanketed for months in deep grey ash. But surprisingly, the ash brought fertility and large sweet potatoes grew from the volcanic material.
The painter
John La Farge was an American painter, muralist, stained glass window maker, decorator, and writer.
born in New York City to wealthy French parents and was raised bilingually; as a child, he and his brothers produced a handmade magazine in French entitled Le Chinois. His interest in art began during his studies at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland and St. John's College (now Fordham University) in New York. He initially intended to study law, but this changed after his first visit to Paris, France in 1856. Stimulated by the arts in the city, he studied with Thomas Couture and became acquainted with notable literary people. La Farge also studied with the painter William Morris Hunt in Newport, Rhode Island.
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by Francis Rousseau