Kate leads us through the Museyroom while giving an account of the Battle of Waterloo. She tells us of the conflict between Lipoleum (Napoleon, who sounds like a floor covering) and Willingdone (the Duke of Wellington). Did he walk over the French General in his gumboots? Nathan Halper, the eminent Joyce scholar seems to think so.
The text in this section has elements of other battles, such as the battles of the Boyne, Hastings, Crimea, Salamanca, to name but a few. But the battle echoes the conflict in HCE’s own family, including the strife between his twin sons, Shem and Shaun.
My fascination with maps and their patterns began when I was working on the illustration of the Wellington Monument for the first series. I delved into various versions of maps depicting the battle site, searching for insights and inspiration. During this search, I discovered the Lion's Mound on the satellite view of Google Maps. This opened up a whole new dimension for me as I could explore the site in 3D, almost as if I were physically present there—a personal museyroom experience, so to speak.
Using this newfound perspective, I incorporated the imagery of the Lion's Mound into my artwork, adding depth and historical significance to the illustration. It became a representation of the monument constructed from earth taken from various parts of the battlefield and said to contain brass left behind by the French forces. This blending of historical elements with modern technology and artistic interpretation allowed me to create a unique and meaningful illustration that captures the essence of the Battle of Waterloo and its cultural significance.
As an artist for "The Art of the Wake," I find that the combination of historical research, imaginative exploration, and artistic expression enriches my illustrations, giving life to the complex themes and references found in Finnegans Wake. Through this project, I aim to celebrate both James Joyce's literary genius and the cultural heritage of Dublin while bringing the spirit of the city and its history to life within the pages of the book.
