Lost in Translation

Sundial, Smithsonian Castle Garden, August 5, 2012. 1:15 pm. Latin inscription (left on this photo): Aspice, Respice, Prospice   = "...

The US Mint began its State Quarters Program in 1999, issuing commemorative coins in the order in which each state entered the Union. The s...

A holy child writes in a book in this detail from Bernhard Strigel's Saint Mary Salome and Her Family in the National Gallery of Art (c...

Calliope (muse of heroic poetry), as sculpted Austin Pajou (c. 1763), in the French Neoclassical style. The name for Calliope comes from th...

Painting of Pocahontas, after a Dutch engraving, National Portrait Gallery. Known by many names, this Native American woman supposedly saved...

"LEGE ATQVE ORDINE OMNIA FIVNT" (Let all things be done according to law and order). Latin inscription above entrance, Department ...

Various items from churches and museums in London. This sign for the Chinese Church in London features a nicely stylized form of the Chin...

Now for some more signs from Florence - these all come from churches or museums. Ascending to the dome of the Duomo. I like the graffiti ...

I walked by the Treasury Department building this afternoon and noticed this old Latin seal. It struck my eye because of its heavily abbre...

Library of Congress, November 2009. I must say the interactive display accompanying the LOC's Gutenberg Bible is really cool. The Gute...

It's the season of Advent for many folks I suppose a 15th-century Annunciation image is appropriate. Jan van Eyck adapts Luke 1:26-38 ...

What does the voice of God look like? "The Baptism of Christ" (late 15th century, by the Master of the St. Bartholomew Altar) de...

Library of Congress, November 2009. Two early printers' marks painted on the ceiling of the Jefferson Building. On the left, D. Appl...

This modern take on the Latin motto adapts the Seal of the United States by incorporating the design motif of the Obama "O" logo i...

E Pluribus Unum (Latin = "out of many, one"). The people interred at Arlington National Cemetery may come from many different or...

Capitol Hill. Here's a bit of Halloween-themed topical humor. Most English speakers would interpret RIP as "rest in peace,"...