Thursday, February 21, 2013

Images for Costumers and illuminators: An Online Gallery of Religious Art

As you plan your garb, where do you find period images?  When you're getting ready to illuminate a scroll, where do you turn for inspiration?  Here's a wonderful site with lots of period art:


You'll find famous works from artists like Fra Angelico, Bellini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Giotto and Masaccio - the list reads like a "Who's Who" from your college art history classes.

Costumers:  To see an example of a painting with great period headcoverings and what appears to be an intricately embroidered sleeve, check out Bellini's Presentation at the Temple.  Here's how to get there:


Isn't that beautiful? Such masterful presentation of complicated folds of cloth, and lovely depictions of both garb and faces.

Illuminators:  To see an example of a procession which might inspire a scroll, go to:


I just love the queen's weird saddle and the harness on the horses.  I can so see using some of these elements in a scroll for an equestrian award, can't you?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Curious About Life in Elizabethan England?

If you have a late-period persona, this page is a great place to start your research.



"Elizabethan England" at the Shakespeare Resource Center has links to:

  • "British History Online" - with both primary and secondary sources; created by the Institute of Historical Research and the History of Parliament Trust;
  • "The British Monarchy" - "kings and queens of Britain, Scotland, and the UK from the original Anglo-Saxon kings to present day";
  • Description of Elizabethan England, 1577 - from Fordham University;
and of course, lots more.

Even if you just love Shakespeare and English history, this is a wonderful site.