The “Darnley Portrait” of Elizabeth I of England. It was named after a previous owner. Probably painted from life, this portrait is the source of the face pattern called “The Mask of Youth” which would be used for authorized portraits of Elizabeth for decades to come. Recent research has shown the colours have faded. The oranges and browns would have been crimson red in Elizabeth’s time.
The Garden of Paradise may be pleasant, but forget not the shade or the willow-tree and the fair margin of the fruitful field. Now, now while the rose is with us, sing her praise; now, while we are here to listen, Minstrel, strike the lute! For the burden or all thy songs has been that the present is all too short, and already the unknown future is upon us.
Francois de Nome and Didier Barra (1590-1644)
View of Metz from the Bellecroix Hill
17th century
Thou art but the glass, His is the face reflected in the mirror; nay, if thou lookest steadfastlty, thou shalt see that He is the mirror also.
"Jonathan Embraces David" from "Historiae Celebriores Veteris Testamenti Iconibus Representatae" by Caspar Luiken published 1712.
Philip VI of Valois, from the Collection of the kings of France Jean du Tillet. National Library of France. Painting made after the engraved on the Great Seal of King picture. A medallion in the middle of the lower part of the border, this image of the royal-seal against.
The secret of life is never to have an emotion that is unbecoming.
Sebastian Vrancx (1573–1647)
Ice Pleasure on the City Dig
1622
View of Genoa by Christoforo de Grassi (after a drawing of 1481); Galata Museo del Mare, Genoa - 1591.
Life is a question of nerves, and fibres, and slowly built-up cells in which thought hides itself and passion has its dreams.
Le Bal des Ardents. Illuminated miniature from Jean Froissart’s Chroniques, BL Harley 4380.
Via Lanza, Casale Monferrato. The building on the right with the triangular pediment is the Palazzo dell’Opera Pia Misericordia. The open tower belongs to Palazzo Morelli di Popolo.
Neither misfortune nor good fortune come withourtreasons and conditions; we incur them.
Fantastic View of a Gothic Cathedral
Didier Barra
1647
I have honestly no idea on what’s happening to the cathedral here…
The basis of optimism is sheer terror.
Building of the Tower of Babel; detail of a miniature from BL Add MS 18850, f. 17v (the “Bedford Hours”). Held and digitised by the British Library.
c.1410-1430
The Palazzo Comunale (right) and Duomo (left) in Modena, Italy.
Not to be hindered in the matter of phenomena or principles is the ultimate and perfect enjoyment.
Hendrick van Cleve III
View of the Vatican Gardens and St Peter’s Basilica 16th century
Artist - Titian (1490–1576)
Portrait of Eleonora Gonzaga
1538
The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young.
Sebastian Vrancx (1573–1647)
Orpheus and the Beasts
Circa 1595
Portrait of Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor (1415-1493).
For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?
Joos de Momper II - The Tower of Babel
16th century
Facsimile of chart from Nicholas Vallard’s manuscript sea atlas (1547), showing Jave La Grande’s east coast. The facsimile was given the title “The first Map of Australia from Nicholas Vallard’s Atlas, 1547” by the English publisher in 1856. The original Vallard chart was produced in Dieppe, France in the 16th century, and is thought by several writers to represent Portuguese charting of the eastern coast of Australia.
