What IS panache and why have I chosen this word to describe my original graphics?
Merriam-Webster Home Page: Merriam-Webster's Word for the Wise says that "panache has both a dashing ring to it and a rather dashing definition: [it] means "swagger," "verve," or "dash or flamboyance in style and action." When French playwright Edmond Rostand used the word panache in the closing moments of his 19th-century comedy Cyrano de Bergerac, he employed it in a rather dashing fashion, but to fully appreciate the humor a dash of etymological history might be in order.
"Panache is derived from the Late Latin term pinnaculum, meaning "a small wing" or "a gable." When it first appeared in English in the mid-1500s, panache referred to a plume or tuft of feathers on a helmet or hat.
"The word's figurative sense developed from the verve and swagger exhibited by those bold enough to wear such a distinctive mark in battle and in society.
"How does Cyrano de Bergerac fit into the picture? You may recall that Cyrano is a gallant character who believes his enormous nose will prevent his beloved Roxanne from ever loving him. Years pass, and just before Cyrano dies Roxanne realizes that it has indeed been Cyrano whom she has loved. The large-nosed hero dies content, but not before turning his remarkable profile heavenward and declaring that he has "one thing left without spot or wrinkle that I can call my own . . . and that is, my panache.""
Why do I say my graphics have panache? Well, first because I love the word, the character of Cyrano de Bergerac, and hats with big feather plumes! Also, I feel my graphics are rather dashing, flamboyant, enigmatic, colorful, different -- much like Cryano himself. But don't trust my judgment; check them out yourself.
UPDATE: September 1, 2001, new additions to blue geometric tiles, green geometric tiles, multcolor geometric tiles, orange geometric tiles, purple geometric tiles, red geometric tiles, white geometric tiles, miscellaneous tiles, and miscellaneous sets. Check them out!
UPDATE: September 11, 2001, new additions to black geometric sets, black geometric tiles, brown geometric tiles, gold geometric tiles, gray geometric tiles, multcolor geometric sets, pastel geometric tiles, pink geometric tiles, red geometric sets. Check them out!
A Special Collection |
