Conundrum Collection

Alexander & Gordian Knot
ALEXANDER THE GREAT When in Gordium, Phrygia in 333 BC, Alexander cuts the Gordian knot with his sword, bluntly solving the puzzle

A Difficult Passage in the Talmud (oil on panel)
2915182 A Difficult Passage in the Talmud (oil on panel) by Kaufmann (Kaufman) Isidor (1853-1921); 33x28.4 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; Hungarian, out of copyright

Tankard, the body chased with a scene representing Alexander
CH469897 Tankard, the body chased with a scene representing Alexander and the Legend of the Gordian Knot, Danzig, c.1680 (parcel gilt silver) by German School

The Lesson, 1887 (oil on panel)
CH429816 The Lesson, 1887 (oil on panel) by Caille, Leon (1836-1907); 33x23.5 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; French, out of copyright

Cartoon, The Premiers Fix - Free Trade and Agriculture. Date: 1845

Squaring the circle, 17th century C017 / 8003
Squaring the circle. 17th-century diagram showing geometrical calculations related to the problem known as squaring the circle

Hilton, the Unicursal Maze
Hilton, Cambridgeshire - the Unicursal Maze - during WW2 (where there appears to have been an understandable drop in upkeep!). Date: 1941

Woman - the conundrum of the age - We can t guess her, but we ll never give her up! Date: circa 1910s

Two chaps unsure which end of a hairy dog is which
Fido. " Which is is ead and which is is tail, Billie?" " I dunno. Pinch im an see which end of im barks." Date: 1895

To mary for love or for money?
A pretty young girl is undecided whether to marry for love or for money... (see 10803887) Date: 1895

Playing Scrabble 1970S
Three women playing the word conundrum game Scrabble. Date: 1970s

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"Unraveling the Conundrum: A Journey through Time and Puzzles" Step into a world of perplexity, where enigmas abound and solutions seem elusive. The conundrum, like Alexander facing the Gordian Knot, challenges our intellect and tests our patience. It takes various forms - from ancient Aboriginal puzzles to intricate Talmudic passages. Intriguing artifacts tell tales of puzzlement throughout history. An exquisite tankard adorned with Alexander's scene reminds us that even great conquerors faced their own mental mazes. Meanwhile, "The Lesson" painting captures the essence of a mind grappling with an unsolvable riddle. Not limited to historical curiosities, conundrums permeate everyday life as well. In a humorous cartoon titled "The Premiers Fix, " politicians find themselves in an intellectual deadlock, unsure how to proceed. Similarly, two chaps ponder which end of a hairy dog is which - highlighting the absurdity we sometimes encounter when trying to solve life's mysteries. Love or money? A timeless dilemma explored by countless souls caught in its web of uncertainty; it remains one of humanity's most enduring conundrums. And let us not forget squaring the circle – a mathematical puzzle that has confounded minds since the 17th century. Yet amidst all these complexities lies respite in simpler pursuits like playing Scrabble or navigating Hilton's Unicursal Maze – reminders that sometimes finding joy requires embracing smaller conundrums along the way. Lastly, woman - often referred to as "the conundrum of the age" - defies easy categorization or understanding. Her multifaceted nature continues to fascinate and challenge society at large. As we journey through this labyrinthine landscape filled with riddles and paradoxes, let us embrace each twist and turn as an opportunity for growth and enlightenment.