The Venus of Belvedere

Madam, - As part of the Irish Architecture Foundation Open Day I recently had the pleasure of visiting Belvedere House in Great…

Madam, - As part of the Irish Architecture Foundation Open Day I recently had the pleasure of visiting Belvedere House in Great Denmark Street. I was delighted to see a portrait of James Joyce prominently displayed. It was heartening to see the prodigal son welcomed back to the bosom of Belvedere.

However, I was disappointed to find that the prodigal daughter had not received the same honour.

I refer to the unfortunate goddess Venus, who was stripped by the Jesuits - from the ceiling, that is - and confined to a life of ignominy.

Wouldn't it be nice in these more enlightened times to see Venus re-erected to her rightful position? Or could it be that the Jesuits of Belvedere might still feel a little uncomfortable with a woman - and a naked one at that - looking down on them? - Yours, etc,

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JIM O'RIORDAN, Brighton Terrace, Monkstown, Co Dublin.