Next pick

For the end of April?

Physiognomy

Rugendas's landscape paintings are referred to throughout the book as "physiognomic." Physiognomy is (in general) the idea of discerning personal characteristics from physical features, especially the face. So how does this fit with our story? How does Rugendas's disfigurement relate?

The writing

What did you think of Aira's writing style? I must admit I found it hard to get through in some sections, especially the abstract riffing on the nature of art and life and nature. (I wonder if the translation played a role in that.) Did you enjoy it or find it a wee bit pretentious?

The artist

It took me a while, but I think I've determined that the "episode" described in Aira's book actually happened. Rugendas's Wikipedia page doesn't mention the riding accident or subsequent handicap, but this bio does, so I guess Aira didn't just make it up (which was my initial impression).

So what's the point of the story? What do we learn about this guy?

The art

In case you hadn't Googled this yet, here's a sampling of Rugendas's work. Any thoughts? Is it what you imagined?