Amphorae

In honor of the turning of the year, let's time travel back through the ages to look at New Years depictions of the past! In the 1940s celebrations could be a little sexier than in previous eras, and indeed most of the time images are of pretty young women. No Father Times or Baby New Years here! In the 20s prohibition didn't stop people from having a swinging good time, as with the Sam Bonner band, seen here. The early 1900s were a little more tame, but dramatic nonetheless; as this beauty with her very, ahem, timely costume can attest. This print from Harper's Weekly 1864, on the other hand, speaks clealry of strife and division, since the American Civil War was still raging. A family from the North is seen celebrating in wholesome comfort, while a family from the South mourns their lost loved one in cold misery. I wonder what side the artist was on? Happily the Regency toasts the New Year more merrily, with family members old and young and a wealth o...

Last time the question was:- "Requisitioned during WWII and unavailable to most women, when this item was back in stock and available to the public it caused riots as women scrambled to stock up." Banker Chick chimed in with the correct answer, which was "Nylons". Yes, I have trouble explaining to my students sometimes why women went so crazy over nylon stockings, and they think the images of girls painting seams into the back of their legs are very funny. Come to think of it, I find that amusing as well. This week I'm asking:- What is a morgengifu ? (Hint: It's an anglo-saxon word)

Time for more trivia! Requisitioned during WWII and unavailable to most women, when this item was back in stock and available to the public it caused riots as women scrambled to stock up.

Well color me flattered! labluebonnet has kindly given Amphorae a Libester Blog Award . This award is meant to recognize and honor blogs with 200 followers or less; and given that I have been quite remiss in posting this year, I am surprised and touched to have merited a mention. Thank you! The recipients of the award are to pass it along to five other blogs with similar credentials to help spread the word about relatively unknown bloggers. How to choose? Fortunately some of my favorite blogs have far too many followers to qualify, so that did help to narrow it down a bit. 1) Bankerchick's Scratchings . I never know what she'll write about, but it's always interesting. 2) I like historical clothing . As do I! It would be worth it to visit this blog just for the wonderful photos of extant garments that she posts, many of which I have not seen before. 3) Idlewild Illustre . She's an artist, and a seamstress, who goes to events and sketches or paints people in ...

Just a reminder for anyone who doesn't already know, that the Metropolitan Museum of Art puts many of their publications online; some with fully-downloadable text! Go to this link to search for your favorite textiles topics, like The Age of Napoleon: Costume from Revolution to Empire, 1789–1815.

Erte Design, 1920s

lahbluebonnet made a valiant attempt at guessing the answer to the last trivia question (which was far too long ago, my apologies):- "The name of this architectural feature comes from the old french word for "throat" as they were used to channel water. Their usefulness in warding off evil spirits came later and is up for debate." The answer is "gargoyle", which comes from the old French for "throat". If you think of words like "gargle" and "gorget" it makes sense. A close look at the photo to the left will reveal that the water was channeled off of and away from the building through a spout in the mouth of the figure. This one is from St. Vitus' cathedral, and is appropriately scary as we approach Halloween. The trivia for today is more of a question for all of you:- What character, historical or otherwise, are you dressing as for Halloween? Or, if you don't participate in such a holiday (as I know many of my ...

The name of this architectural feature comes from the old french word for "throat" as they were used to channel water. Their usefulness in warding off evil spirits came later and is up for debate.

For anyone who didn't get enough info about the stash of Medieval bras found recently in Tyrol, there is a follow-up article with more details here . The new information includes a replica of what they might have looked like in their original condition.

1805 silk knit parasol For any of you on the east coast of the U.S. or planning to visit that area in the next few months, there are some Regency events that might pique your interest. Don't have a costume? Don't worry, many of them are costume-optional. August 25, 11AM - Ladies' Regency Tea (Olde World Tea Shop, 327 Main St., Smithfield, VA) September 14, 8AM - 7PM - Living History Day at Hope Plantation (132 Hope House Rd., Windsor, NC October 13, 11AM - ? - Regency Picnic at Poplar Forest  (1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, VA) I'm going to try and make it to the Poplar Forest Picnic, but that is the weekend of my brother's birthday so it will depend on his plans. For more information about the events, costs, or Regency Society of Virginia you can visit their page at  http://www.varegency.org/ .

Last week I asked:- "What bloody event, following the wedding of Marguerite de Valois and Henri Roi de Navarre, is depicted in both "La Reine Margot" and "Princesse Montpensier"?" Isis correctly answered that it was the St Bartholomew Day Massacre. This bloody event occurred  in 1572 beginning on August 23rd, but extended for weeks. Tensions between French Catholics and Protestants were brought to a head by two major events; the marriage of Marguerite de Valois (daughter of Catherine de Medici, and sister of the King of France, Charles IX) to a Protestant, Henri de Navarre, and the failed assassination of Admiral Coligny, who was the political and military leader of the Huguenots (French Calvinist Protestants). Due to the wedding a large number of wealthy and prominent Huguenots had gathered in Paris, despite an uneasy calm created by the Treaty of St Germain, which had only recently ended a costly war between the two religious factions. Many Catho...

Trivia returns, and this time we marry history with entertainment. What bloody event, following the wedding of Marguerite de Valois and Henri Roi de Navarre, is depicted in both "La Reine Margot" and "Princesse Montpensier"? Bon chance!

Well, this is exciting news, because while bra and panty-like garments have been theorized, discussed, dismissed, debated-anew, and generally considered a modern invention there has never been any evidence to prove their existence as far back as the 15th century. This find changes everything, indeed. Read more.

I think the title just about says it all. 10-deranged-costume-designs-from-the-1600s-that-put-lady-gaga-to-shame . Enjoy!

Well, I either had you stumped or, more likely, I just didn't give you enough time to answer last week's trivia question:- Samuel Pepys is famous as a 17th-century diarist, in particular for writing about what two major misfortunes in British history? The answers were The Great Fire of London, and what is commonly called The Great Plague Outbreak. Though the diary was only kept from 1660-1669 it provides a fascinating and detailed account of life during those difficult times, and was only published in the 19th century. It makes one wonder what other valuable writing have yet to be discovered. This week I ask:- This first aniline dye color was named in 1856 and is more esoterically known as "mallow".

“Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.” - Marcus Aurelius

For any of you who may find this interesting, an internship opportunity was brought to my attention recently:- Volunteer Intern Museum Textile Services, Andover, MA Museum Textile Services, a private textile conservation studio located in Andover, Massachusetts, is seeking applicants for two types of volunteer internships. Up to three Conservation Internships are available for beginner to intermediate applicants. They provide a sound introduction to art conservation philosophy, literature, and treatments and require excellent eyesight, sewing skills, and museum sensibilities. Current conservation projects include European tapestry, Asian art, and 19th-century costume. One collections management internship is also available for a volunteer seeking hands-on cataloguing and rehousing experience. This intern would be working primarily with the MTS study collection but would also assume collections management responsibilities for our active projects with opportunities for off-...

Last week's question was a visual clue, and I asked:- What famous artisan is honored by today's Google Doodle, seen above? Banker Chick correctly identified Faberge as the artisan in question, and the eggs are indeed famous for being the traditional (and costly) gifts made for the Czar of Russia who traditionally gave them to members of his family. Anyone admitted to the pleasure of seeing them in person knows how truly stunning they are. This week's question is:- Samuel Pepys is famous as a 17th-century diarist, in particular for writing about what two major misfortunes in British history?

Well, I am a little late with the trivia question this week due to a holiday on Monday and the busyness of working two jobs at present. Last week's query was:- What 17th century composer was portrayed by Gerard and Guillaume Depardieu in the movie Tous Les Matins du Monde? Solene, in France, correctly answered that it was Marin Marais. If you haven't seen the movie, Solene and I both highly recommend it. This week I'll give you an easy one since there is less time to guess:- What famous artisan is honored by today's Google Doodle, seen above?

Well, no one was able to guess the answer to last week's trivia question, which is understandable since it was a tough one. "What Roman Emperor was found dead on May 15th, 392 in Vienne, Gaul?" The answer is Emperor Valentinian II, who was found hanged in his residence. Interestingly, he was accorded a Christian burial, as he had requested baptism, which could indicate that the belief was that he was murdered. On the other hand, no inquiry into his death was made yielding suspects. For this week we'll skip ahead to the 17th century:- What 17th century composer was portrayed by Gerard and Guillaume Depardieu in the movie Tous Les Matins du Monde?

Well, I never did get to make my outfit and attend the Virginia Regency Society's picnic today, due to work obligations; but for those of you who, like me, still want to see how much fun was had and how splendid everyone looked photos can be found here . Enjoy!

1906 Coronation Gown of Queen Maude

Last week's question was:- Edmund Spenser's poem The Faerie Queene was written as an allegorical work in favor of what monarch? Sarah, it turns out, is quite the expert on the poem and she answered "The Faerie Queene was written in favor of Queen Elizabeth I, whose multi-faceted personality was represented variously as Una, Britomart, the eponymous Faerie Queene herself, etc...!" Quite right! Now onto the trivia for this week, and for this one we're reaching very far back:- What Roman Emperor was found dead on May 15th, 392 in Vienne, Gaul?

“Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trivia Monday got off to a good start with the question "What were the two styles of women's hoods prevalent at the court of Henry VIII?" An Anonymous visitor responded with the correct answer, which is the Gable hood and the French hood, as seen below respectively. The Gable hood came first and was gradually replaced in popularity by the French hood, which was rumored to be a fashion brought back to England by the young Anne Boleyn, who had served at the French court. On to the trivia question for this week:- Edmund Spenser's poem The Faerie Queene was written as an allegorical work in favor of what monarch?

The Songcatcher is set in 1907 and follows the experience of a female Professor of Musicology, Lily Penleric, who when once again rejected for tenure decides to visit her sister, Eleanore, who has a school in the wilds of Appalachia. Once there Lily discovers that the people of the region have handed down Old English ballads from generation to generation without adulteration by the outside world. She begins to collect these works by recording them on gramaphone cylinders and writing the songs out, but there are more than a few challenges to contend with. Viewers are not likely to recognize many of the actors in the film, with the exception of Aidan Quinn who plays a war veteran named Tom Bledsoe. He is initially very suspicious of Lily, and their relationship gets off to a rocky start, but soon becomes just what you expect. Things you might not expect include; Lesbianism, stripping naked while running from wild animals, cars driving up the mountains, and Bible-tent murder. The...

In light of our trivia question for this week I thought we'd take a look at some images of Tudor dress for women. English noblewoman 1538 This first image is from a small portrait miniature, which seem to have been very popular at the time. She wears the square-necked gown and bell-shaped sleeves of the typical Tudor dress, with slightly puffed undersleeves which would date this gown to the earlier part of the reign of Henry VIII. Her French hood and double parure necklace are also typical features of Tudor costume from Henry VIII's reign. Princess Elizabeth 1546 Red was a popular color in Tudor England and in this famous portrait of the future queen we see that the square neck and conical bodice are still in vogue, but the neckline has become much wider moving out almost off the shoulders. The undersleeves have grown much larger and are now clearly false, not attached continuing past the narrow portion of the oversleeve. The french hood is smaller with an almost-imp...

I do a weekly post on my other blog, Letters from the Enlightenment, that is a trivia question relating to the 18th century history. I enjoy it, and other people seem to enjoy responding and trying to guess the answer, so I thought I'd do the same thing here. The advantage here is that it can related to history from any other time period, so we have a lot to choose from. We'll start with a really easy one:- What were the two styles of women's hoods prevalent at the court of Henry VIII? Good luck, and have a great week!

In these times of economic struggle (the complaint of which I'm sure would be striking to those who lived during the Great Depression), it is fascinating to reflect on how people in poorer times and places have managed to live. Research out of the University of Warwick, in England, suggests that though we associate Medieval England with abject poverty, it wasn't necessarily so. Read more here.

View from the Doge's Palace We kicked off our honeymoon tour with three days in Venice, which turned out to be the best part of an overall lovely trip. We'd attempted to learn some Italian before going, as I always feel badly about asking people to speak my language in their country, but between work and the whirlwind that was wedding planning we just didn't get that far and ended up having to rely on others to understand us much of the time. Arriving on a Wednesday afternoon at Marco Polo airport we caught a bus from the mainland across the bridge to the Piazzale Roma, which is the main depot for people arriving or departing Venice by bus, boat, or train. I'd heard from a few people who had traveled to Venice previously that there could at times be a strange smell from the canals, but the only thing I noticed was the smell of water, which I love. The red-tiled roofs of the Piazzale Roma were very pretty, and despite it being very crowded we had no trouble purch...