The masthead art is “The Gust of Wind” by Lucien Lévy-Dhurmer (30 September 1865 – 24 September 1953) a Jewish Symbolist painter born in Algiers, French Algeria, whose began his career decorating and designing ceramics of the kind now known as “art pottery.” From 1887 to 1895 he produced fascinating designs which often borrowed motifs from Islamic art. The pottery is far more impressive than the paintings, and virtually unknown except to collectors. The pots sell for about the same price as his pastels: in the ten to fifteen thousand dollar range. It’s amazing to think one could, for the cost of a new Kia Rio, actually own one of these:
