Architecture · Monarchies · Observations · Mores
Have you ever noticed these latticed niches just beneath the dome of old theatres? In the royal theatre at the Palace of Fontainebleau, for instance, behind such mesh-covered oculi there lay small chambers with additional seats: the theatrical hierarchy reserved these hidden boxes for people in mourning and, of
Heritage · Mores · Society · Rome
In the last two years alone, 40 cases of vandalism at the Colosseum have been recorded in Rome. And now, at last, the city authorities have updated the legislation governing public order in the capital, which has stood since 1946. The new rules cover both the assistance rendered by police
Monarchies · Museums · Mores · Paris · Humour
Edward VII (1841-1910) had a special chair for amorous pursuits. Renowned for his unbridled appetites and colourful sexual adventures, the king preferred a particular contraption for comfortable lovemaking with two partners at once. A similar couch is on display at the Sex Machines Museum in Prague, together with a
Observations · Mores · Pop Culture · Humour
Caesar led the Gauls in triumph, then Caesar led the Gauls into the Senate; they took off their trousers and put on the toga with the purple border. The menswear part of the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda AW 2019/20 show recalls the Roman proverb about the Gauls. The
NB! · Art · Monarchies · Mores · Humour
The bed made for Napoleon and Josephine in 1805 rather hints that it is time to retire. Napoleon was, in general, a lover of luxury, and the style owes much of its subsequent popularity precisely to the emperor's fondness for it
Observations · Mores · Society
Switzerland, prostitutes punished by being harnessed to a night-soil collector's cart, 1790. That is to say, this was not simply a dustman's wagon but rather an emptier of cesspits. The contents of privies and cesspools were tipped out onto the streets, and the offending women
Books · London · Mores · Society
British historian Hallie Rubenhold has published a book on the anatomy of Jack the Ripper's crimes, 'The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper'. The work is of interest not only from the standpoint of criminology, but also as an anthropological
NB! · Observations · Mores · Humour
A summer outfit of 1796 against a summer outfit of 1556: quite a comparison, to be sure. But what would these ladies say on seeing a summer outfit of 2019?
Monarchies · Observations · Mores · Humour
Today there is cause for a drink: 20,000 subscribers! So I find myself in the modest company of a Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru. This wine is sometimes called the great white wine of Burgundy, and not without reason. After the victory over the Saracens in 732, the grandfather of
Museums · Mores · Humour
This "anti-masturbation" belt was designed for long-term wear; there are holes at the back for adjusting the size, though the size is in principle that of an adolescent, not an adult. The openings at the front allow for the natural functions of the body. The metal
Museums · Mores · Humour
This is what a genuine anti-masturbation belt of the late nineteenth century looks like. Well worn, of course, the little thing has seen better days. The metal base of the belt is mounted on a leather lining for ease of wear. As you can see, it is fitted with
NB! · Art · Mores · Nature · Humour
Enraged ostriches attack fashionable ladies in extravagant hats trimmed with ostrich feathers. Avian revenge, 1777