Faith · Monarchies · Observations · Pop Culture
This six-cylinder Citroën Licorne was presented to Pope Pius XI by André Citroën himself on the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. The car was fitted out specially for the Pope, and two hundred people worked on the project. For the bodywork, a non-standard burgundy was
Observations · Society
I understand you already have no shortage of news hooks, but on 26 December 1991 the Council of Republics of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted a declaration on the cessation of the existence of the USSR in connection with the formation of the CIS. Just in case, I
NB! · Monarchies · Museums · Observations · Humour
The Emperor's travelling set of dessert plates. What can one say, an indispensable item, and not only for Napoleon.
NB! · Faith · Art · Observations · Humour
In our culture the forbidden fruit is personified by the apple, but with the masters of the Renaissance it is sometimes an orange or another citrus fruit. In any case, let me remind you: first the forbidden fruit, then the church, not the other way round!
Observations · Heritage · Rome · Humour
In every room of the Belvedere the French guide cried: Vive la France! And why not, for nobody ever carried off so many treasures from the palaces of Rome as the French did under Napoleon
NB! · Archaeology · Architecture · Observations · Rome
From my window I observe the remains of the first stone athletic stadium in Rome, a building quite unique in the history of sport. Where the stadium once stood there is now a residential district, piazza Navona
Books · Observations · Ethnography
I want you to read this ancient Nanai legend at bedtime and give it some proper thought:. “At the beginning of the world there lived three people: Shanvai, Shankoa and Shanka. One day the three people sent three swans to dive, to fetch stones and sand for the earth. The
NB! · Books · Observations
Do you know what I meant to say? That decay will touch you too, fair ladies.
Aristocracy · Monarchies · Observations
On the question of how the Germans ruled Russia. Olga Nikolayevna, daughter of Nikolai Pavlovich, married her cousin, Crown Prince Karl of Württemberg. At the time of her betrothal she said rapturously to V. A. Zhukovsky: “May the Lord bless this step in my life and grant me the strength
NB! · Art · Observations
Dropped in on friends, and they are showing off wallpaper by the lovely artist Natalia Pivko. I cannot help sharing the beauty.
NB! · Observations
Books · Observations · Mores
Allow me to say a few words on the widespread condemnation of bastardy in culture. One recalls the play “King Lear”, which is, in essence, about bastardy. It all begins with an illegitimate son. The Earl of Gloucester has two sons: one legitimate, one illegitimate. The illegitimate son seduces Lear’