Ep9 - Anyone Sycophancy a Fig?

Smy Goodness Anyone Sychofancy a Fig?

Smy Goodness Anyone Sychofancy a Fig?

Figs are one of the earliest if not our earliest cultivated plant.  Their reverence surely stems from their historic connection to our own agricultural journey and they are a symbol of abundance and important to ancient peoples, cultures, art, cookery and religions. They are symbols of fertility, wealth, youth and the brevity of life. This episode will look at the Greek etymology behind 'sycophancy' and the Roman Apicius' recipe for fegato. Artists discussed include Giovanna Garzoni, Albrecht Durer, Clara Peeters, Suzanne Valadon, Vivienne Westwood and Figs in Wigs.

 
 

Figs in Wigs - check out their videos, see them live and follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

Ancient Egyptian depiction of fig harvesting

Ancient Egyptian depiction of fig harvesting

Albrecht Dürer Adam and Eve engraved print, c 1504

Albrecht Dürer Adam and Eve engraved print, c 1504

Giovanna Garzoni (1600–1670) Painting of Figs and a Beetle, date unknown

Giovanna Garzoni (1600–1670) Painting of Figs and a Beetle, date unknown

Juan Bautista de Espinosa (1590–1641) A Bouquet of Flowers in a Conch Shell with Nuts and Figs Surrounded by a Wreath of Flowers and Fruit, c. 1645

Juan Bautista de Espinosa (1590–1641) A Bouquet of Flowers in a Conch Shell with Nuts and Figs Surrounded by a Wreath of Flowers and Fruit, c. 1645

Clara Peeters, (1589-1657) Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels, c. 1615

Clara Peeters, (1589-1657) Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels, c. 1615

Clara Peeters, (1589-1657) Detail: Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels, c. 1615

Clara Peeters, (1589-1657) Detail: Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels, c. 1615

Suzanne Valadon (1865-1938) Adam and Eve, 1909 by

Suzanne Valadon (1865-1938) Adam and Eve, 1909 by

Renoir - Dance at Bougival, c. 1883 Portrait shows Suzanne Valadon and Eugene Pierre Lestringuez

Renoir - Dance at Bougival, c. 1883
Portrait shows Suzanne Valadon and Eugene Pierre Lestringuez

Toulouse Lautrec - Portrait of the Artist Suzanne Valadon , c. 1885

Toulouse Lautrec - Portrait of the Artist Suzanne Valadon , c. 1885

 
Henri de Toulouse Lautrec - The Hangover; by c. 1888, Portrait shows Suzanne Valadon

Henri de Toulouse Lautrec - The Hangover; by c. 1888, Portrait shows Suzanne Valadon

A few years back I decided to bundle all my interests together and rebrand from Smy Chutney to Smy Goodness so that all my preserves, crafts, products and workshops could live together in one place. My own podcast seemed a suitable place to uncover, understand and enjoy things related to food, art, history and design. Please do share your stories, knowledge, questions and suggestions. In the Smy Goodness.com podcast section you will find the podcasts and all the items that we are discussing and will have ongoing discussions about each week.

You can also follow Smy Goodness on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. I'd like to thank Ashley Palmer for use of his Roland R-09 and Matteo Borea for creating the music. Thank you for listening.