Archaeology · The East · Observations · Mores · Society

Penalties for molesting, kissing and raping a married woman

I found in the Middle Assyrian Laws of the 2nd millennium BC several important norms of a city community that would fit the Slutsky affair perfectly. - If a man has raised his hand against a married woman and pawed her (literally "treated her as a child", that is,

NB! · Observations

The Inscription Beneath the Clock: Silentium

NB! · Observations · Humour

Only, I say at once, the woman in the headscarf lurking behind the door is just thirty-five

NB! · Observations

And what are your plans?

Observations · Mores · Humour

Antiques agent offers a carriage, but mother declines over taxes

An antiques agent has sent me a carriage; I ask Mother whether she might care to buy it. She replies: and pay tax on the carriage as well? Fair enough, but dispiriting(

Monarchies · Observations

Incidentally, it is curious that both Nicholases had wives named Alexandra Feodorovna: one of Prussia, the other of Hesse-Darmstadt

Incidentally, it is curious that both Nicholases had wives named Alexandra Feodorovna: one of Prussia, the other of Hesse-Darmstadt. That gives us Nicholas I + Alexandra Feodorovna I and Nicholas II + Alexandra Feodorovna II. Dynastic elegance

NB! · Cinema · Observations · Pop Culture

I cannot help recalling that epic infographic of every dress worn to the ceremony by the winners of the Oscar for Best Actress since 1929

NB! · Observations · Mores · Humour

Don't Forget Your Little Drawers, It's Freezing Out There

NB! · Art · Observations · Humour

Rubens's Second Wife Walks a Child on a Lead

Rubens's second wife walks a child on a lead. One can see at once what a good mother she is; I would trust her with my own children

Wooden table with marquetry and gilt bronze, its lid open to show a mirror and side compartments holding tableware and small bottles.

NB! · Art · Observations · Mores

French Combined Table of the Late 18th Century for Breakfast and Make-up

I have fallen in love with this French combination table of the late eighteenth century, for breakfast and for make-up. The side compartments, lined with silk, are for cosmetics; the upper part lifts off and becomes a bed table

NB! · Faith · Observations · Society · Humour

As You Can See, the Pope Was in Serious Dependence on Napoleon

As you can see, the Pope was in serious dependence on Napoleon. Not that much has changed in relations between Church and state since, mind you

NB! · Archive · Art · Books · Monarchies · Observations · Humour

The Genealogy of Henry II from the Nuremberg Chronicle: An Example of Naïve Graphic Art

The genealogy of Henry II from the Nuremberg Chronicle is an example of naïve graphic art. The generations are joined by some thick, unpleasant yellow umbilical cord, and I quite understand the fellow who is about to sever it