Sketch Pad - February 1, 2021

Did you know that today is National Serpent Day?

Snakes exist worldwide with over 3000 species. Ranging in size from around 4" to over 30 feet. They also come in an interesting array of colors and patterns. Only about 1/8th of these species are poisonous. An interesting animal, they have been given a bad reputation over the years. From appearances in books, the bible for instance, to showing up as the villain in cartoon movies, they really aren't the bad guy they are portrayed as. Both predator and prey, snakes help maintain a healthy ecosystem. Yes, we are scared of them and caution is good, as with any wild animal.

The following portrait, The Fall and Expulsion of Adam and Eve, an excerpt from Michelangelo's painting in the Sistine Chapel, is a perfect example of the vilification of snakes.

Photo Credit - Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

Even the Quote of the Day uses the snake as an ominous

warning, thereby enforcing the villainous image of the serpent.

“Self-love for ever creeps out, like a snake, to sting anything which happens to stumble upon it.”

Lord Byron

Learn more at ...

https://www.livescience.com/27845-snakes.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo