Faith · Art · Observations · Humour

The Magi, called magicians and kings, and the three parts of the medieval world

At different times the Magi were called sorcerers and kings. And they represent, naturally, the three parts of the world known in the Middle Ages: Africa, Asia and Europe. Though, you know, I rather got carried away: Magi are all very well, but how are we to know what they

Illuminated initial of a medieval manuscript: three crowned men lie in one bed under a pink cover, with a golden angel above them.

NB! · Faith · Art · Books · Humour

Three Magi in One Bed in Medieval Christian Book Miniatures

A picture of three kings in one bed is a common sight in medieval Christian books. They are not up to what you thought. These are the Magi (wise men, kings), to whom an angel is bringing glad tidings

Observations · Mores · Humour

A contradiction in the rule on nakedness of the body at cremation and the power of prejudice

The silliest thing about this rule is that cremation also leaves the body bare, since clothing burns away very quickly. How great was the power of formalities and prejudices. How I loathe them

NB! · Observations · Society · Humour

Whom I represent when political channels discuss the possible presidential candidacy of an unexpected woman

Drawing of a man in a tricorn hat and wig holding a large muff in front of him.

NB! · Observations · Mores · Humour

The muff as part of the male wardrobe of the 18th century in a drawing

The weather is clearly no longer summery, but the cold is still some way off? A muff! The sound solution for the progressive gentleman of the eighteenth century

NB! · Faith · The East · Books · Observations · Humour

A 45-metre demon from an Urdu-language book about an island where terrifying voices can be heard, where King Solomon shut away the vanquished unclean spirits

A 45-metre demon from an Urdu-language book about an island where terrifying voices can be heard, where King Solomon shut away the vanquished unclean spirits. This demon, apparently, licked its victims to death. I am perfectly willing to believe it and have no wish to meet him

Aristocracy · Observations · Ethnography · Humour

Head of the Miklukho-Maklai Foundation descends from the traveller's brothers, not from him

Saw a rather diverting advertisement for coconut condensed milk at an acquaintance's, the proceeds of which will support an expedition to the shores of Papua New Guinea. FURTHER IN THE TEXT: "organised by the descendants of the great Russian traveller Nikolay Miklukho-Maklay". The Miklukho-Maklay

Screenshot of text with Gramolina's remarks on a Soviet joke, culture as a service and an incident near the museum.

NB! · Cinema · Observations · Humour

Natalya Gramolina on the perception of culture as a service and an incident outside the museum

Old woman, do not spoil my culture! I simply adore Natalya Nikolayevna Gramolina

Carved wooden chair with metal blades on the back, seat and footrest, and armrests ending in dragon heads.

NB! · The East · Art · Cinema · Humour

Chinese iron throne of the 19th century with blades and dragon heads

What the Iron Throne really looks like. China, nineteenth century

NB! · Art · Paris · Humour

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1894-1896

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1894-1896. “So how do you like the Kremlin diet?”

Observations · Humour

The Latin word monoceros as the name for the unicorn

The unicorn in Latin is monoceros. It sounds like a diagnosis.

Three small children in satin outfits of red, silver and blue stand on a carpet beside a golden-brown dog.

NB! · Art · Monarchies · Observations · Mores · Humour

Children of Charles I by Van Dyck as a model for modern children's clothing

In the West, a movement is under way to do away with gender stereotypes in children's clothing. I suggest taking our bearings from the seventeenth century: van Dyck's portrait of the children of Charles I of England, Princess Mary and the future Charles II and James