The Bizarre Beauty of the Basel Foot Reliquary: A Step Back in Time
The Catholic church has created plenty of weird objects, but this gemstone covered foot-shaped reliquary really takes the cake. Even weirder is what is inside.
19th Century Decorative Arts
We stumbled upon some amazing nineteenth century books featuring tons of decorative images, patterns and borders. Here’s a sampling of what we’ve restored.
The Nautilus Cup of Hefner-Alteneck
Medieval costumes, armor and a nautilus cup. His name might be a challenge, but German illustrator Jakob Heinrich von Hefner-Alteneck’s art is worth it.
The Bard’s Instruments
The bard is an essential part of the medieval fantasy. She strides the stage with a lute and a grin and all eyes are fixed on the bard’s instruments…
Barber Surgeons: Bloodletting Barbers
During the middle ages barbers did it all. Known as barber surgeons, they gave haircuts and shaves… and pulled teeth, performed enemas and amputated limbs.
Naughty Monks of the Public Domain
Medieval monasteries conjure the image of brown robes and solemn rituals. But the reality wasn’t all worship and sinless living. Let’s talk about naughty monks.
Marie Antoinette and the Nipple
During the time of Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), and in no small part due to her own fashion preferences, French court was swimming in cleavage.
Corpse Flower: The Discovery of Rafflesia
Rafflesia is a parasitic flowering plant found in Southeast Asia. It is known as the corpse flower because it looks and smells like raw meat or rotting flesh.
Danse Macabre: The Dance of Death
No one is immune to death, and death eventually comes for us all, whether king, pope, bride or beggar. This is the theme behind The Dance of Death.
Paul Poiret: A Revolutionary in Fashion
The early twentieth century kimono dresses of French fashion designer Paul Poiret changed the fashion world forever. Let’s look at Les robes de Paul Poiret.
Renaissance Fashion of the Public Domain
The Renaissance was more than art and discoveries. It was style too! Check out the best of Renaissance fashion and some of the earliest costume books ever made.
The Magic of Masquerades: 19th-Century Costume Parties
We’ve got you covered for all of your Tea Parties, Calico Balls and Private Theatricals.