https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/turrets-toilets-partial-history-throne-room-180951788/ “Garderrobe” is both a euphemism for a closet as well as a quite literal appellation, as historian Dan … [Read more...] about garderobes
Fables Agreed Upon
habits
From Acta Sanctorum (a modern perspective, but still quite useful): "All Dominicans wear the same habit—friars, brothers, cooperator brothers, novices, and even the Master of the Order … The … [Read more...] about habits
music-making
“In [the 16th century], the notaries of Venice recorded the presence of an instrument even in modest households, while for the aristocracy and the merchant class, 90 per cent of inventories included … [Read more...] about music-making
fables agreed upon – useful links
The Food Timeline http://www.foodtimeline.org/ … [Read more...] about fables agreed upon – useful links
french nobility
They tried to establish the model of a nobility entirely dedicated to the profession of arms, finding justification in an ascetic ideal. The disappointed hopes of the petty nobility thus led them to … [Read more...] about french nobility
excuses revealed as truth
Magnus nearly stopped as he passed under the bronze gaze, looking at the face, really looking, momentarily forgetting his anxieties. Impossible, but if it was—oh, it would not be the first time such … [Read more...] about excuses revealed as truth
lorenzo e savonarola
From Miles Unger’s Magnifico (not, I suspect, the most rigorous of biographies, but a damn entertaining read): “There was, in fact, a conscious strategy on the part of Medici partisans to … [Read more...] about lorenzo e savonarola
on the road to florence
It all began with Villari, over a year ago. Thus the future foe of the Medici, and the destroyer of their power, was summoned back to St. Mark’s at the instance of their chief. Pico was as yet … [Read more...] about on the road to florence
lorenzo’s library
“Lorenzo’s intellectual life is demonstrated by his library, which included books collected by his grandfather and father and enhanced by his own purchases. He bought and commissioned books … [Read more...] about lorenzo’s library
palazzo medici
One of the hardest parts of writing Seeds of Truer Natures has been trying to figure out the building interiors. We had talked about going to Italy this year, or I’m not sure I would have attempted … [Read more...] about palazzo medici