Portraits: You Are What Surrounds You

I am fascinated by photographs of people in their inner sanctums. I find them so revealing, offering as they do a tangible measure of what someone deems to be important, precious and soul-sustaining. 

This one of Dirk Bogarde is a favorite of mine. Although most of the world knew him strictly as an actor, he was also a prolific writer and artist. I love the postcards stuck on the wall and the shelf of well-thumbed books behind him, a palpable reminder that he was so much more than just a celluloid hero.

And here's Truman Capote, lolling in splendor, surrounded by a profusion of tchotchkes and a riotous mess of color and pattern. Fierce.

This photograph is of the poet Anne Sexton. Making a supporting appearance are the essentials in her day-to-day life: coffee, cigarettes, books and the ever-present typewriter.

Some sanctums are outer sanctums. Nancy Lancaster (1897-1994) brought her talents for interior design to the garden as well, advocating that "as long as there is enough green, anything goes with anything."

There's not much to say about this portrait of Colin Firth, except that Mr. Darcy is alive and well and living in a palazzo in Tuscany.

I vote that blogger Patricia Van Essche wins the award for Chicest Profile Picture. She's a consummate artist, mother and all-around Renaissance woman, as is readily apparent from the amazing photo below.

A couple of months ago, I took this portrait of my son when he was gripped by an obsession with Indiana Jones (note television screen). 

He's now switched his attention to Adam Lambert (on "American Idol"). Such are the fleeting passions of seven year old boys.

And there you have it.