In 13th century Provence there lived four sisters. Daughters of Count Raymond Berengar V of Provence and his wife Beatrice of Savoy, all would rise to greatness becoming Queens of France, England, Germany and Sicily respectively. These sisters had a huge impact on Western Christendom, and this month we’ll explore how the personal affected the … Continue reading Sisters & Queens
Category: Articles
Laocoön and His Sons: Art and Myth (Guest post by Analisa Soverns-Reed from Accessible Art History)
Throughout history, myths and legends have provided endless subject matter for works of art. The stories of gods, heroes, war, and love have served as inspiration for many of the great works we have come to know and love! One of these great works is a sculpture group called Laocoön and His Sons. Created during … Continue reading Laocoön and His Sons: Art and Myth (Guest post by Analisa Soverns-Reed from Accessible Art History)
The Judgement of Paris
Let me paint you a picture - you’re just casually tending your flock on the mountainside of Mount Ida when the god of travellers appears with three goddesses and a golden apple. On it is inscribed ‘for the fairest’ and your tasked with judging which goddess you think is the fairest. The Judgement of Paris … Continue reading The Judgement of Paris
Trailblazers: Anne Lister
It has not always been possible for the LGBT+ community to be open about who they are and who they love. Finding historic LGBT+ figures can be difficult, yet today's trailblazer left us a priceless resource for exploring LGBT+ love in 19th century Britain. That woman was Anne Lister (1791-1840). Portrait of Anne Lister by Joshua Horner … Continue reading Trailblazers: Anne Lister
Royal Hostages
When Robert the Bruce and his wife Elizabeth de Burgh were crowned King and Queen of the Scots on the 25th March 1306, she reportedly said “Alas, we are but king and queen of the May”. Robert had taken the crown against the might of the English, and their position was definitely an uncertain one. … Continue reading Royal Hostages
The Maid of Norway
History is full of sliding doors moments, and when looking at medieval Scotland such a moment can be seen with the death of Margaret, the Maid of Norway. Margaret, the Maid of Norway in stained glass window at Lerwick Town Hall. Image courtesy of Colin Smith under the CC BY-SA 2.0 license. The young Norwegian … Continue reading The Maid of Norway
The Story of Dido Elizabeth Belle
If you follow Some Sources Say on social media you'll know that this month's history topic is 'Stories Behind Paintings'. The following painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle is one of my favourites, and today I'm going to introduce you to her story. Portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay and Lady Elizabeth Murray circa 1778 by … Continue reading The Story of Dido Elizabeth Belle
Duccio di Buoninsegna (Guest post by Analisa Soverns-Reed from Accessible Art History)
Without a doubt, Duccio di Buoninsegna is one of the most important artists in the history of art. However, he is often overshadowed by later artists like Giotto, Donatello, and Leonardo. But, it was Duccio’s flirtation with naturalism and development of the Trecento art style that helped to lay the foundation for the Renaissance. Although … Continue reading Duccio di Buoninsegna (Guest post by Analisa Soverns-Reed from Accessible Art History)
Royal Portraits and Power (Guest post by Elizabeth Hill-Scott from Smart History Blogging)
Throughout history, royal portraits have been about more than just decorative pictures for Great Halls and bed chambers. They were the advertising signs or political propaganda mechanisms of their day. Here, I explore how English royal portraits have been used to forge alliances, marriages, scare off enemies, display power and wealth and combat insecurities whilst … Continue reading Royal Portraits and Power (Guest post by Elizabeth Hill-Scott from Smart History Blogging)
Namesake: The Daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine
It was pretty standard in medieval Europe for people to name their children after themselves, with Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine no different. Their second son was named Henry after his father, and their second daughter was named Eleanor after her mother. Upon her marriage she became Leonor so for clarity in … Continue reading Namesake: The Daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine
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