Art lovers around the world are remembering Leonardo da Vinci who died in France 500 years ago, on May 2, 1519.
A British art expert announced on Thursday that Britain’s royal family has a portrait (肖像) of the famous artist, often known simply as Leonardo. Martin Clayton, a royal art adviser, said the portrait’s owner is Queen Elizabeth II. He added that the image was made by one of Leonardo’s assistants shortly before his death. Clayton said the “straight nose” and other details look very much like the only other known portrait of Leonardo done in his lifetime. That picture was the work of Italian painter Francesco Melzi. It will be on display at the Queen’s Gallery with about 200 drawings from her collection of Leonardo’s works.
On Thursday, the presidents of Italy and France gathered in the French town of Amboise to mark the anniversary of the artist’s death. He spent the final years of his life in the town. Today art lovers around the world are celebrating Leonardo’s work. He is considered a true Renaissance man, working not only as an artist, but as a scientist and inventor. “There really hasn’t been anybody then or since who has combined this extraordinary genius for these totally different areas,” said Gregory Rubinstein. He is the worldwide head of Old Master drawings at Sotheby’s auction house. “I think that’s what’s at the heart of our fascination.”
Sotheby’s announced Thursday that an important Leonardo drawing is going on display in its New York offices next month. The drawing, called “Leda and the Swan”, was painted in 1506. It is based on a story from Greek mythology (神话). It has not been shown in public since 2003. Leonardo appears to have made the painting while he was also working on “Mona Lisa”, his most well-known painting. The Mona Lisa hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Rubenstein said the “very complete and very beautiful” drawing appears to have been preparatory work for a painting that was never made or was lost. “It’s a very mysterious one because there is no surviving record. and no painting survives,” he said.
【小题1】How will the British remember Leonardo this year?| A．By exhibiting a portrait of Leonardo. | B．By holding a party at the royal family. |
| C．By showing Melzi’s work of Leonardo. | D．By displaying Queen’s collection of works. |
| A．To visit the Queen’s Gallery. | B．To remember Leonardo da Vinci. |
| C．To attend the funeral of Leonardo. | D．To celebrate the anniversary of the Renaissance. |
| A．He is a true lover of art. | B．He is a genius in everything. |
| C．He is a person with many gifts. | D．He is a man living in the Renaissance. |
| A．It is about a mysterious Italian story. | B．It is a rarely seen Leonardo drawing. |
| C．It was painted by Leonardo’s assistant. | D．It is a preparatory work for “Mona Lisa”. |
If you're from the northern hemisphere (北半球), you'll find Christmas to be rather different in New Zealand.
New Zealanders continue the British tradition of having a family dinner during the middle of the day on Christmas Day.It usually begins on Christmas morning by exchanging presents which will be left under the Christmas tree in the home.
It may seem a bit strange to hear songs, such as White Christmas or Deck the Halls, in the middle of summer！Nevertheless, Christmas carols (颂歌) are popular.
New Zealand is an extremely(极端地) diverse(多样的) society.People from many cultures do not recognize Christmas in the same way as the early European settlers.
| A．They all stop on Christmas Day. |
| B．The most obvious difference is the weather. |
| C．Most New Zealanders do not go to church regularly. |
| D．However, Christmas is a special time for all New Zealanders. |
| E．Many towns and cities in New Zealand hold Christmas celebrations. |
| F．The Christmas meal itself is increasingly becoming a relaxing affair. |
| G．People will hear them played or sung in shopping malls during the holiday season. |
For the first time, a woman captain led Britain’s Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Canadian officer Megan Couto made history on June 26 by commanding the troops guarding Queen Elizabeth's London home. Couto, 24, led her Canadian unit in the ceremony, which is witnessed by thousands of visitors to London each year. Her unit is the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry （步兵），also known as The Patricia's".
The British Army said Couto was the first ever female infantry officer to lead the ceremony. “We look forward to seeing a British Army female infantry captain of the queen's guard when roles are opened up to women by the end of next year,“ a statement read.
Women were barred from serving in the British infantry and other fighting roles until the military changed the rule last year.
Canadian Captain Megan Couto made history by becoming the first female Captain of the Queen's Guard as she took part in the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London, Monday, June 26. The Canadian unit was invited to Britain to mark Canada's upcoming 150th anniversary. Canada Day is celebrated on July 1.
Canada was established on July 1, 1867, when Britain approved the British North America Act. The act established the Canadian Confederation out of three British colonies(殖民地). Canada, along with several other nations, still belongs to the British Commonwealth(英联邦). Queen Elizabeth still serves as the country's official head of state.
Many celebrations will be held throughout Canada to mark the country's 150th birthday. Among the activities will be parades, musical and cultural performances and fireworks. Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are to spend three days visiting Canada to mark the anniversary. In Britain, people plan to gather in London's Trafalgar Square to take part in a celebration for Canada Day. The event will feature musical performances, Canadian food, sports and other activities. It is predicted that there will be thousands of foreign visitors coming to enjoy the event.
【小题1】What is special about the Changing of the Guard ceremony this time?| A．It didn't include Britain soldiers. | B．It was commanded by a female. |
| C．It was led by a British officer. | D．It was held in Canada. |
| A．To honour the British queen. | B．To guide the British queen. |
| C．To attract foreign visitors. | D．To celebrate Canada Day. |
| A．It was part of Britain. |
| B．It was the same as it is today. |
| C．It belonged to the USA. |
| D．It was out of the British Commonwealth. |
A．Delicious food on Canada Day. | B．Celebrations to be held in Canada. |
| C．Foreign visitors to enjoy the event. | D．Activities to be held for Canada Day. |
Spanish Weddings
Weddings are big and important things in Spain. You’re likely to find the whole family and the whole village turn out to celebrate.
Traditional Spanish weddings do not include bridesmaids (伴娘) or groomsmen.
During the wedding reception, the bride and groom go from table to table carrying a basket with small wedding presents. The men will be offered a cigar or a mini-bottle of wine. And the women will be offered a little present. This may be the time in which guests also “hand back” the preferred wedding gift: money in envelopes.
| A．Most Spanish weddings are connected with coins. |
| B．But today, with Hollywood’s influence weddings change a bit. |
| C．The couple stand together at the altar (圣坛) with no one else. |
| D．Therefore, you will find the traditional weddings are crowded. |
| E．In Spain, the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. |
| F．Invitations are usually sent out one or two weeks before the wedding ceremony. |
| G．Some couples also send out the number of a bank account along with the invitation. |
组卷网是一个信息分享及获取的平台，不能确保所有知识产权权属清晰，如您发现相关试题侵犯您的合法权益，请联系组卷网
