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Dr Pat Witts

@wittspat.bsky.social

1.4K followers 45 following 2.2K posts

Specialist in Roman mosaics, with particular interests in iconography and antiquarian illustrations; also hedgehogs in any medium. Author. Membership Secretary asprom.org (posting personally).

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Reposted by Dr Pat Witts

Art History Animalia @arthistoryanimalia.bsky.social · 1d

#NationalBadgerDay:
#ItalianRenaissance artist Il Sodoma (b. Giovanni Antonio Bazzi, 1477-1549) stuck a self portrait with his pet #badgers into his Stories of St. Benedict fresco cycle! 😂
Scene 3: Benedict Repairs a Broken Colander Through Prayer (Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany, 1505-8)

full view of the fresco panel with the artist’s self-portrait inserted into scene

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stories_of_Saint_Benedict_in_Monte_Oliveto_Maggiore_by_Sodoma

Detail of the artist’s self portrait with his two pet badgers at his feet (one in front wearing a red collar)

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 16h

Adorable!

Reposted by Dr Pat Witts

Malcolm Stoneman @malcolmstoneman.bsky.social · 1d

“Bear with a banner” medieval tile -
14th Century

In 1382, Jean de Berry employed Spanish craftsmen to decorate his residences with armorial floor tiles at Mehun-sur-Yivre, Bourges & Poitiers. A skill then unknown in France.

#TilesOnTuesday

Caption “Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry” exhibition -
“In the spring of 1382, Jean de Berry obtained permission from the Duke of Girona, his relative, to send three craftsmen from the Valencia region to Spain to work, under the leadership of Jean de Valence, on the construction sites of his fabulous castle of Mehun-sur-Yivre, as well as on those of the palaces of Bourges and Poitiers. The innovative program consisted of decorating the state rooms and apartments with armorial floors made of earthenware tiles produced locally, thanks to the temporary importation of this expertise, then unknown in France”.

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 16h

Always had a soft spot for scribes - heartening to know that they were at the prestigious end of the hierarchy.

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 1d

You're welcome! Glad you like it.

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 1d

It's great, isn't it.

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 1d

Reposting this link, a little early, for #TextileTuesday. A spectacular survival.

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 1d

This immediately came to mind and might be of interest. It is absolutely stunning!
abegg-stiftung.ch/en/dionysos/

Dionysos - Abegg-Stiftung

abegg-stiftung.ch

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 1d

This beauty can be visited in the wonderful @coriniummuseum.bsky.social.

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 1d

This immediately came to mind and might be of interest. It is absolutely stunning!
abegg-stiftung.ch/en/dionysos/

Dionysos - Abegg-Stiftung

abegg-stiftung.ch

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 1d

It's great, isn't it. Stopped me in my tracks.

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

The mosaic is at the entrance to the idyllic Levens Hall in Cumbria, famous for its historic topiary (levenshall.co.uk) and for its flock of rare-breed Bagot goats (which alas I didn't see!) 3/3

A view of a garden with two prominent pieces of topiary at left and right resembling hats, and a topiary bird right of centre. In the background, a historic house. Bright mauve flowers in left foreground.

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

I was lucky enough to be part of a group visiting Maggy's studio in rural Lancashire some years ago and hearing from her about her work. More here: www.maggyhowarth.co.uk
And a fascinating interview here: mosaicandglass.com/2024/07/magg... 2/3

Timeless Pebble Mosaic Art | Maggy Howarth Studios | Handcrafted Mosaic Commissions & DesignsMaggy Howarth Studios

Discover the artistry of pebble mosaic at Maggy Howarth Studios. Pioneers of the pre-cast mosaic technique, we create bespoke designs for gardens, public spaces, and architectural landscapes. Our hand...

www.maggyhowarth.co.uk

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

For this #MosaicMonday, a mosaic I've enjoyed seeing recently: not ancient, but a superb goat by the late Maggy Howarth at Levens Hall showing an accomplished continuation of this ancient art form. Note the wonderful choice of pebble for the eye! 1/3
#AncientBlueSky 🏺(though this isn't!)

A colourful modern circular mosaic made of pebbles with rectangular stones forming the outer border. The mosaic shows the head of a goat facing left, with dramatic horns sweeping backwards, risring from a coronet.

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

Very effective! Just make sure you sign and date the reverse, to avoid it becoming a 'Pictish mosaic' if discovered at some future date ... 😁

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

Oh, interesting! Didn't know this one before, so am very happy.

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

It's 'corn' as in 'grain'. I often write about RB mosaics and have had to train myself out of using 'corn' to avoid confusing an international readership! 'Grain' seemed to be the preferred term when some of us had a discussion here a while ago.

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

Crouched-down pointing being deployed: that's serious stuff!

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

That sounds intriguing! I know Kilmartin but haven't been to Ormaig, so just tried 'driving' to it on Streetview. The public road soon runs out, so presumably it's on private land? Or a mystical post office van apparition?

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 2d

Looks great - even if not about mosaics. (I love rock art too. Have earrings based on Achnabreck to prove it!)

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 3d

Thanks!

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 3d

The mouse scratches were one of the highlights of my recent visit to the museum: adorable!

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 3d

Hope you're soon able to replicate this relaxed cat and that the back improves.

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Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 3d

An interesting read.

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 3d

Corbridge is gorgeous for a number of reasons. I was there recently, revisiting sites on/near the Wall - all looking good!

Dr Pat Witts @wittspat.bsky.social · 3d

Is that an Orpheus mosaic on the cover at bottom left? Intrigued (and possibly imagining this!).

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