and how many notable detractors have thrown sharp things at his coconut

Interesting article on Peter Paul Rubens:

"It doesn't fall to many people to donate a useful new adjective to the English language. But because of Rubens we are able to describe the larger lady - the lady who lunches too much- as "Rubensian" without trampling on her feelings. "Rubensian" is such a friendly adjective. It makes the size - 16 girl feel like nothing more unsightly than a roomy size 14."

Read the whole thing:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-531-1824218-531,00.html