Beth
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bethshares.bsky.social
Beth
@bethshares.bsky.social
250 followers 270 following 940 posts
Knitter 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🍄
I'm all about knitting, the baby, fungi and history.
#chronicpain life. I like sharing photos I've taken* of interesting things in museums. *All photos my own unless expressly stated otherwise.
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bethshares.bsky.social
These photos are from the exhibition of #LeonardoDaVinci "A life in drawing" in 2019. #Art
Also a #Rembrandt
June 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
Amethyst: head of Medusa Roman, 2nd century AD. #history #BritishMuseum #Roman
June 9, 2025 at 11:03 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
Pithos (storage jar) with relief decoration. East Greek, probably made in
Rhodes about 700-650 BC
From Camirus, Rhodes.

This jar has got to be over 5ft tall, my husband refused to stand next to it so you could see the actual size though 🤣

#BritishMuseum #Pithos #Greece #Greek
Because of their size, jars like this must have been made in several sections which were joined together before firing. The repeating patterns were added with cylinder stamps, rolled round the jar. Pithoi were mainly used for storing agricultural produce such as olive oil and grain. In Rhodes, large pithoi like this one have been found in graves, serving as coffins for children and young adults. Because of their size, jars like this must have been made in several sections which were joined together before firing. The repeating patterns were added with cylinder stamps, rolled round the jar. Pithoi were mainly used for storing agricultural produce such as olive oil and grain. In Rhodes, large pithoi like this one have been found in graves, serving as coffins for children and young adults.
June 4, 2025 at 12:20 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
Also if you have ever watched Secrets of the Museum (on the BBC) then here is Andrew Sachs outfit as Manuel from Fawlty Towers and the Satyr vase from the cafe. Two items that struck in my mind particularly.

#V&AMuseum #BBC #FawltyTowers
June 3, 2025 at 1:07 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
Reliquary head of St Eustace.

About 1180-1200 Basle, Switzerland Sycamore, silver-gilt, amethyst, carnelian, rock-crystal, chalcedony, pearl, glass.

See alt text for more information.

#BritishMuseum #Catholic #StEustace #Art #Photography #History
Reliquary head of St Eustace - Silver gilt cover This reliquary was made for the cathedral treasury at Basle, Switzerland where it was thought to contain relics of the head of St Eustace. When it was opened, however, it contained the relics of various saints as well as nine unlabelled skull fragments. The reliquary has two parts: a wooden core that holds the relics, and a silver-gilt cover decorated with recycled Roman glass and gems. This use of Roman materials reveals the value placed on the classical past by medieval goldsmiths and their patrons. Reliquary head of St Eustace - wooden This reliquary was made for the cathedral treasury at Basle, Switzerland where it was thought to contain relics of the head of St Eustace. When it was opened, however, it contained the relics of various saints as well as nine unlabelled skull fragments. The reliquary has two parts: a wooden core that holds the relics, and a silver-gilt cover decorated with recycled Roman glass and gems. This use of Roman materials reveals the value placed on the classical past by medieval goldsmiths and their patrons.
June 3, 2025 at 12:56 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
Fancy an entire jewellery set made of conch shell?

Someone clearly did once.

The carving is intricate and beautifully done but I don't think its my style.

#BritishMuseum #Jewellery #ConchShell #exquisite
Set of conch shell jewellery. Italian, Naples, about 1860 Possibly a wedding gift from a tour to Italy, this set has been in the de Beaumont family since the 19th century. Close up of a set of pale pink and white conch shell jewellery. Italian, Naples, about 1860 Possibly a wedding gift from a tour to Italy, this set has been in the de Beaumont family since the 19th century.
June 2, 2025 at 6:30 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
The Arch of Janus Quadrifons. About 1775-1800.

This looks like an oil painting from afar, an embroidery as you get closer then up close you realise it's actually a micro mosaic. 😱

Stunning

#V&AMuseum #Art #Museum #micromosaic
The micro mosaic technique, which Giacomo Raffaelli pioneered,was inspired by the mosaics of classical antiquity. The ancient arch depicted here was one the celebrated sights in Rome, the most important stop for European travellers on their Grand Tour. Portable pictures were popular souvenirs. Some were made for the top end of the market, like this one, others for more modest purses. The micro mosaic technique, which Giacomo Raffaelli pioneered,was inspired by the mosaics of classical antiquity. The ancient arch depicted here was one the celebrated sights in Rome, the most important stop for European travellers on their Grand Tour. Portable pictures were popular souvenirs. Some were made for the top end of the market, like this one, others for more modest purses.
June 2, 2025 at 11:48 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
I have so many beautiful #photographs to show of stunning #jewellery both religious and non religious. The skills of the crafts people always blows me away. These pendants are religious based with gold, rock crystal, enamell and pearls. I am a magpie so they got my immediate attention. #V&AMuseum
Pendant with the Virgin of Loreto Spain, about 1580. Enamelled gold, with rock crystal and verre eglomisé. Formerly in the collection of the Treasury of the Cathedral of the Virgin of the Pillar, Saragossa. Pendant. Spain, about 1580. Enamelled gold, with rock crystal and pearls. In bas-relief the Crucifixion and the Virgin. Formerly in the collection of the Treasury of the Immaculate Conception of the Cathedral of the Virgin of the Pillar, Saragossa.
June 2, 2025 at 9:09 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
The view from our hotel room. #London
June 1, 2025 at 9:57 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
France or England
Satin embroidered with silk and silver thread, strip and spangles. 1730-40

Imagine how sparkly it was when new with all that silver thread.

#fashionhistory #mensfashion #V&AMuseum
This richly embroidered waistcoat is an example of lavish European court dress. The bright yelllow colour was fashionable for both men and women. The generous length and the pocket flaps allowed for rich decoration. The design includes Rococo motifs such as a sinuous pattern of scrolling leaves, but the bold treatment and large scale of the vegetation are more characteristic of the earlier Baroque style. The metal threads,when new, would have created a glittering effect. This richly embroidered waistcoat is an example of lavish European court dress. The bright yelllow colour was fashionable for both men and women. The generous length and the pocket flaps allowed for rich decoration. The design includes Rococo motifs such as a sinuous pattern of scrolling leaves, but the bold treatment and large scale of the vegetation are more characteristic of the earlier Baroque style. The metal threads,when new, would have created a glittering effect. This richly embroidered waistcoat is an example of lavish European court dress. The bright yelllow colour was fashionable for both men and women. The generous length and the pocket flaps allowed for rich decoration. The design includes Rococo motifs such as a sinuous pattern of scrolling leaves, but the bold treatment and large scale of the vegetation are more characteristic of the earlier Baroque style. The metal threads,when new, would have created a glittering effect.
June 1, 2025 at 8:56 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
1740-1750 altered 1870-1910.

Waistcoat of embroidered ivory satin with silk and silver threads, sleeves added later.

Made in Britain

#fashionhistory #mensfashion #V&AMuseum
Man's sleeved waistcoat of embroidered ivory satin with silk and silver threads, lined with ivory ribbed silk and fustian. The cuffs of the associated coat have been added to the waistcoat. With a floral design. This waistcoat is associated with the marriage of William Morshead (b. 1722) to Olympia Treise at Blisland, Bodmin, Cornwall, on 23 April 1745. Olympia Treise was the daughter and heiress of John Treise of Lavethan, Cornwall, while William went on to become Sheriff of Cornwall Man's sleeved waistcoat of embroidered ivory satin with silk and silver threads, lined with ivory ribbed silk and fustian. The cuffs of the associated coat have been added to the waistcoat. With a floral design. This waistcoat is associated with the marriage of William Morshead (b. 1722) to Olympia Treise at Blisland, Bodmin, Cornwall, on 23 April 1745. Olympia Treise was the daughter and heiress of John Treise of Lavethan, Cornwall, while William went on to become Sheriff of Cornwall Man's sleeved waistcoat of embroidered ivory satin with silk and silver threads, lined with ivory ribbed silk and fustian. The cuffs of the associated coat have been added to the waistcoat. With a floral design. This waistcoat is associated with the marriage of William Morshead (b. 1722) to Olympia Treise at Blisland, Bodmin, Cornwall, on 23 April 1745. Olympia Treise was the daughter and heiress of John Treise of Lavethan, Cornwall, while William went on to become Sheriff of Cornwall
June 1, 2025 at 6:15 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
Turquoise mosaic mask Mixtec-Aztec, AD 1400-1521.

#BritishMuseum #Aztec #Mask #mosaic #turquoise
A stylised butterfly is picked out in mosaic of a darker hue across both cheeks of this mask. The butterfly is an emblem of Xiuhtecuhtli, the central Mexican Fire God whose name also means Turquoise Lord and who is shown in the codices adorned with turquoise mosaic (see also sculpture of Xiuhtecuhtli in Aztec case and the Fire serpent, Xiuhcoatl on the entrance plinth).
June 1, 2025 at 10:48 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
When I first saw it I thought it looked like a scorpion tail but a closer look makes it look like an angry pitcher plant. #BritishMuseum
Ship's figure-head This fierce oak figure-head was once thought to be from a Viking ship, until scientific research proved it was earlier. Images of Late Roman ships, such as the one on the medallion pictured here, show similar monstrous figure-heads. It is uncertain if this one was made by Gallo-Roman craftsmen, by Germanic craftsmen settled in northern Gaul (now Belgium), or by Germans influenced by Galio-Roman ship-building traditions. A tenon at the base allowed it to be removed from the prow of the ship, perhaps for passing under bridges. Ship's figure-head This fierce oak figure-head was once thought to be from a Viking ship, until scientific research proved it was earlier. Images of Late Roman ships, such as the one on the medallion pictured here, show similar monstrous figure-heads. It is uncertain if this one was made by Gallo-Roman craftsmen, by Germanic craftsmen settled in northern Gaul (now Belgium), or by Germans influenced by Galio-Roman ship-building traditions. A tenon at the base allowed it to be removed from the prow of the ship, perhaps for passing under bridges. Roman medallion of Emperor Constantius Chlorus (AD 293- -306), showing a ship with an animal figure-head
June 1, 2025 at 12:51 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
I didn't even notice it till I was upstairs tbh...
June 1, 2025 at 12:37 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
Box; Austria or Germany, about 1800 in gold & Labradorite, and isn't it beautiful.

Pill box anyone? 😂

#V&AMuseum #Labradorite #Gold
May 31, 2025 at 8:30 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
Fragmemt from an alter frontal, 1470-1500.
The altar area of a church was reserved for the clergy. By paying for a richly embroidered altar frontal, the Smyth family could be represented in the place where the Mass was celebrated. #V&AMuseum #Catholic #History #Museum
The Smyth family are shown kneeling, the upper (elder) pair in dress of about 1450-1470, the lower pair in dress of about 1500. Blue silk velvet; linen applied and embroidered in silver-gilt and silk threads in couched work and split stitch. Velvet probably from Italy; embroidered and made up in England. Inscribed in Latin meaning Pray for the souls of Henry Smyth and his wife Johanna' and Pray for the souls of Thomas Smyth and his wife Johanna. Close up of the upper (elder) pair in dress of about 1450-1470. Inscribed in Latin meaning Pray for the souls of Henry Smyth and his wife Johanna' Close up of the lower pair in dress of about 1500. Inscribed in Latin meaning; Pray for the souls of Thomas Smyth and his wife Johanna.
May 31, 2025 at 2:55 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
Gold brooch with an emerald flanked by pearls Roman, 2nd or 3rd century AD.

The more ancient the jewellery the more I'm impressed by the skills of the jeweller.

#BritishMuseum #jewellery #Roman #brooch #gold
May 31, 2025 at 11:44 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
Think my husband would get me one? 🤣

Flower brooch, diamonds and sapphires set in platinum Italian, made by the firm of Bulgari, Rome, late 1940s.

#Bulgari #Jewellery #Brooch #Platinum #Diamond #Sapphire
The brooch has a double-pronged clip for wearing on the edge of a dress or lapel. The flowers are mounted in spring settings to quiver as the wearer moves. When a ray of light passes through a sapphire it splits in two (double refraction). The stone has to be cut from the right direction to obtain the rich blue seen here.
May 31, 2025 at 10:35 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
Christianity made little headway in Scandinavia before the later AD 900s.

Five bracteate pendants and a dancing figure in gold (roughly 2cm in height, so cute), all with pagan connections.

#BritishMuseum #Gold #Odin #Pagan #Scandinavia
The figure in gold sheet shows a bearded and helmeted man, performing what may be a pagan ritual dance. The five bracteate pendants may have been made for use by high status individuals at religious festivals. The motifs on many bracteates appear to be connected with pagan beliefs, especially the cult of the chief god, Wodan (later Odin). The figure in gold sheet shows a bearded and helmeted man, performing what may be a pagan ritual dance. The five bracteate pendants may have been made for use by high status individuals at religious festivals. The motifs on many bracteates appear to be connected with pagan beliefs, especially the cult of the chief god, Wodan (later Odin). The figure in gold sheet shows a bearded and helmeted man, performing what may be a pagan ritual dance. The five bracteate pendants may have been made for use by high status individuals at religious festivals. The motifs on many bracteates appear to be connected with pagan beliefs, especially the cult of the chief god, Wodan (later Odin).
May 31, 2025 at 8:47 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
Many of the photos i've taken I've used the lasso feature to cut just that item out. Usually when the background is too busy otherwise. Makes it pop more I think. #V&AMuseum #Gold #Christ #Historical
Medallion with Christ on the Road to Calvary. Probably Southern Netherlands or France, about 1420. Embossed and chased gold possibly from an altarpiece or reliquary.
May 31, 2025 at 7:40 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
The most famous object in the Mildenhall treasure is the large highly decorated circular platter usually known as the Great Dish, or as the Neptune or Oceanus Dish. It dates back to the 4th century AD, during the Late Roman period. #BritishMuseum #MildenhallTreasure #Roman #Silverware #Bacchic
Bacchic imagery had a long history in Greek and Roman art, and this example, on a magnificent silver vessel measuring 60.5 cm in diameter and weighing 8,256 g, is one of the finest to survive from the late-Roman period. The decoration worked in low relief and engraved line on the front surface of the silver, alludes to the worship and mythology of Bacchus on land and in the sea. The staring face in the centre represents Oceanus, his beard formed of seaweed fronds and dolphins in his hair. The inner circle, bordered by scallop shells, consists of sea-nymphs riding mythological marine creatures, a sea-horse, a triton, a sea-stag and a ketos, a dragon-like sea-monster. The wide outer frieze features Bacchus himself, holding a bunch of grapes and a thyrsus (a staff tipped with a pine-cone) and resting a foot on his panther, presiding over a celebration of music, dancing and drinking in his honour. The participants include the hero Hercules, overcome by wine, the goat-legged god Pan, and sundry satyrs and Maenads (female devotees).
May 31, 2025 at 7:02 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
Carved ivory lily-of-the- valley brooch. German or English, 1830-50.

A symbol of grief for mourning, lily-of-the-valley meant 'the return of happiness' in being reunited with a loved one in death.

#BritishMuseum #Museum #Jewellery #photography #brooch #mourning
May 31, 2025 at 12:49 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
I have so many photos from two days of museums. Not all are the best pictures, the quality got worse as my battery depleted. See? #VictoriaandAlbertMuseum #museum #jewellery #photography
Pendant cross Western Europe, 1650-1700 Rose-cut diamonds with silver, gold and enamel. The reverse is painted in enamel with pink tulips.
May 30, 2025 at 9:24 PM
bethshares.bsky.social
Not the best picture in the world but I took it quickly. At the British Museum, where we paid £30 for food and it was bland and dry 😅😅😅😅
May 30, 2025 at 8:40 AM
bethshares.bsky.social
This jewellery was part of a set made as a wedding present from Sir Austen Henry Layard to his bride Enid. It was made in 1869 by the London firm Philips Brothers & Son, renowned for jewellery inspired by ancient objects. #britishmuseum #history #jewellery #Assyrian
The necklace was created from ancient cylinder seals and stamp-seals acquired by Layard during his travels and excavations in the Middle East. The gold fittings linking the stones revive motifs popular in Late Assyrian art such as lions' heads, lotus buds and pine cones. The seals themselves date between 2200 and 350 BC but most are from the Late Assyrian period (900-612 BC). Enid later wrote in her diary that, when they dined with Queen Victoria in 1873, this jewellery was 'much admired.
May 30, 2025 at 8:34 AM