The proverbs

The present work is a representation of the village of Bagendon, Gloucestershire. The parish is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 and has an ancient inn at a crossroads with a gibbet, a Norman church and woods dating back to King John. The artist has chosen to illustrate the many proverbs in a Bruegel-like scene within the framework of this rich, historical setting. The proverbs featured include: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; a fool and his money are soon parted; dead men tell no tales; fools rush in where angels fear to tread; make hay while the sun shines; never look a gift horse in the mouth; there's no smoke without fire; those who live in glass houses should not throw stones; too many cooks spoil the broth; you can't judge a book by its cover; heavy is the head that wears the crown; look before you leap; casting pearls before swine; a stolen apple tastes better; half a loaf is better than none; a watched pot never boils; keep your nose to the grindstone; keep your back to the wall; like hitting one's head against a brick wall; love locked out; no use shutting the door after the horse has bolted; give a man enough rope and he'll hang himself; waste not want not; and the blind leading the blind.