Art · Moscow · Museums · Observations · Heritage

The Tretyakov Gallery asks for help in preserving the museum of sculptor Anna Golubkina

Speaking of cultural heritage, an appeal to help save the museum of the sculptor Anna Golubkina keeps turning up in my Instagram feed. The most curious thing is that the appeal comes from the Tretyakov Gallery, hardly a destitute institution, which in theory ought to have the money for this

Archaeology · The East · Heritage · Society

Turkish authorities confirm that in October they will flood one of humanity's oldest permanent settlements, the city of Hasankeyf on the banks of the Tigris

Turkish authorities have confirmed that in October they will flood one of humanity's oldest permanent settlements, the city of Hasankeyf on the banks of the Tigris. The city, where Mesopotamian civilisation, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Turks and the Ottomans have all left their mark, still preserves Neolithic

A tiered gilded altar with columns wreathed in grapevines and figures of angels inside a white cathedral interior.

Architecture · Faith · Art

Carved and gilded altar of St Peter's Cathedral in Malmö

Everything You Need to Know About the Baroque, in Two Photographs. The altar of St Peter's Church in Malmö

Books · Observations · Humour

Author receives first fee for a lecture on Odysseus in wine and whisky from venue owner

Yesterday I received, for the first time in my life, a fee for a public appearance. In the form of a bottle of wine and a bottle of whisky, admittedly. I shall not hide that it was unexpected and very pleasant that the proprietor of the establishment, seated at the

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Russia ♥️

NB! · Art · Monarchies · Observations

I adore this portrait of Catherine II: so charming, so unaffected and, above all, unflattering

I adore this portrait of Catherine II: so charming, so unaffected and, above all, unflattering. It is a great pity that the artist's name has not come down to us

A white round tower with a conical plank roof against a blue sky. Apple trees with red fruit stand in front, and a person is on the lawn by the wall.

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White round tower with a wooden roof and apple trees in the foreground

Faith · Museums · Observations · Nature

I understand that not everyone will care for regular gardens of the French type

I understand that not everyone will care for regular gardens of the French type. Very well, then: I was taken with the metropolitan's garden of apple, pear, cherry and plum trees beneath the ancient walls of the Rostov Kremlin. Metropolitan Jonah Sysoyevich conceived it in the manner of

Screenshot of a subscriber's message saying that in the portrait Lavinia plays a virginal, not a spinet.

Observations · Humour

Subscriber clarifies that Lavinia in the portrait plays a virginal, not a spinet

I love you, dear subscribers! And it is pleasant to know that there are such specialists among you. On the post about Lavinia And what a name, the virginal! Pure poetry!

Art · Society · People · Rome

If you should ever find yourself in an unequal struggle with the hidebound notion that the history of world culture knows no great women creators, then remember, for instance, Lavinia Fontana, a Renaissance or, as she is sometimes called, early Baroque pa

If you should ever find yourself in an unequal struggle with the hidebound notion that the history of world culture knows no great women creators, then remember, for instance, Lavinia Fontana, a Renaissance or, as she is sometimes called, early Baroque painter from Bologna. Fontana achieved the same successes as

NB! · Art · People · Humour

Isabella Ruini as Venus likewise does not shy from an age gap with Cupid

Isabella Ruini as Venus likewise does not shy from an age gap with Cupid. A work by Lavinia Fontana

Art · Humour

- Are you quite sure our difference in age doesn't trouble you?

- Oh, come now

Alexandr Radayev