NB! · Observations · Mores · Humour
Label of Madame Alliot's Franco-Russian Camembert from Calvados, 19th century
The finest Camembert. The Franco-Russian cheese of Madame Éliot from Auteuil-en-Auge in Calvados. Ah, that naive nineteenth century!
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NB! · Observations · Humour
Level of Political Savvy: My Sofa Has Grown into the Wall
NB! · Monarchies · Mores · Nature · Humour
In 1577 Sir Humphrey Gilbert presented Elizabeth I with a narwhal tusk adorned with gold, but claimed it was the horn of a sea unicorn
In 1577 Sir Humphrey Gilbert presented Elizabeth I with a narwhal tusk adorned with gold, but claimed it was the horn of a sea unicorn. Though we know perfectly well that these are quite different animals, the rascal!
NB! · Archaeology · Architecture · Heritage
The Roman amphitheatre of the 1st century in Arles survives in fine condition: from the 6th century it served as a fortress with towers and two hundred buildings, but by the 19th century these structures were demolished, restoring the amphitheatre to its
NB! · Art · Observations · Mores
Victor Maximilien Potain (1760-1840), Portrait of the Artist's Sister Marie-Adrienne and Her Daughter Rose-Marie with a Puppy
Victor Maximilien Potain (1760-1840), Portrait of the Artist's Sister Marie-Adrienne and Her Daughter Rose-Marie with a Puppy. A charming statement on how important it is to be close to those we love
NB! · Books · Observations · People
To mark Pushkin's birthday, I have brought out from my storerooms his kammerjunker's hat with its silvered braid
To mark Pushkin's birthday, I have brought out from my storerooms his kammerjunker's hat with its silvered braid. Alas, he never managed to climb higher than the eighth rank, but there is always something more important than a career
NB! · Faith · Pop Culture · Humour
A Humble Septon from the Riverlands Makes a Career in the Order of Malta
NB! · Faith · People · Society Pages · Humour
In dark glasses, as is only proper, and with a Bond watch: the superagent of the Grand Hospitaller, His Excellency the Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion in Obedience
NB! · Faith · Observations
Members of the Order of Malta carry the reliquary with the Virgin Mary's camisa
The Camisa of the Theotokos in its reliquary. Note that it is carried by members of the Order of Malta, as is evident from the mantle with the Maltese cross and the badge of a Bailiff Grand Cross worn at the neck
NB! · Faith · Society
This year's three-day pilgrimage to Chartres ended on 5 June
The annual pilgrimage to Chartres lasts three days and celebrates the life and building of the third millennium of Christendom. This year it ended on 5 June
NB! · Faith · Paris · Reportage
the pilgrimage from Notre-Dame de Paris to Notre-Dame de Chartres is one of the largest in Europe and is dedicated to Pentecost (the 10th day after the Ascension and the 50th day after Easter), the feast of the descent of the Holy Spirit
NB! · Art · Monarchies · Observations · Humour
Marie Leszczyńska, Queen of France, in a frightfully fine outfit with fur trim, a muff, a tippet and a plunging neckline
Marie Leszczyńska, Queen of France, in a frightfully fine outfit with fur trim, a muff, a tippet and a plunging neckline. The eighteenth century, but with our weather it would be just the thing today. And likewise in a sleigh, on some granite or other