Since going there in person just isn't working out for me, the next best thing is throwing a big fat #TroyExhibition Tweet & Photo Party...Continue Reading
#TroyExhibition: Tweet & Photo Party!
Historic Influence
The Mother of Big Fat Greek Weddings: Thetis & Peleus’ Wedding in Art Through the Ages
In the history of big fat Greek weddings, I'm pretty sure this is the mother of them all. There's never been a more celebrated wedding than the union of Thetis and Peleus, the parents-to-be of Achilles. Not just capturing the imaginations of ancient Greeks, generations of humans all over the earth have been happily ever after enjoying this magical...Continue Reading
Vail’s Shield of Achilles Featured in Catholic Faith & Culture Video Course
Can you imagine my incredible surprise to discover a Catholic University interested in endorsing my reconstruction of Achilles' spectacular shield?! It was - and still is - indescribably delightful!! The University of Dallas Catholic Faith & Culture Program offers a higher level study of faith through video courses and it's a great honor for my reconstruction of the Shield of Achilles to be included in such a thoughtful and enlightening program....Continue Reading
My Book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles, is Now Published!
Finally, my dream has come true and my book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles, is now published and available on Amazon.com! ...Continue Reading
Guest Post: Achilles’ Shield and Schiller’s Philosophy of Aesthetics, by Corry Shores
Combining Friedrich Schiller's philosophical view of aesthetics with a full gallery of images, Corry Shores of Pirates & Revolutionaries offers a deeper appreciation for the many interpretations of Achilles' legendary shield. ...Continue Reading
Guest Poem: “Upon Trojan Field, At Dawn” by Ismail Butera
Upon Trojan Field, At Dawn - This heart-stopping poem by Ismail Butera communicates like a warrior bard on a treasure hunt while sifting through the remains of battle-bloodied corpses. With lines that will give you goosebumps, your breath will catch in your throat as you float in the dawning air above the littered battlefield of Troy. ...Continue Reading
Thetis Delivering Achilles’ Shield in Art Through the Ages
The epic voyage of Thetis delivering Achilles' shield and spectacular new armor spans nearly 2,600 years of art history, adorning objects as diverse as ancient Greek vases, magnificent gold jewelry, bronze chariots and...Continue reading
C.P. Cavafy: The Horses of Achilles – A New Translation by Kathleen Vail
Stepping into a legendary scene unfolding in Homer’s Iliad, C. P. Cavafy sheds new light on the angst that drives the horses of Achilles to tears...Continue reading
Thetis Delivered Achilles’ Shield to…Lord Nelson at Trafalgar?
With many uncanny parallels, Lord Nelson's prayer for divine intervention on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar was answered in ways very similar to Achilles' prayer during the Trojan War. ...Continue reading
Hephaestus Forging the Shield of Achilles in Art Through the Ages
Did the fabulous Shield of Achilles ever exist? Commanding a presence for something like 3,000 years so far, the existential reality of Achilles' armor in art throughout the ages leaves little wiggle room for those who discredit Homer's account of Achilles' Shield...Continue reading
THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES 