Lauraine Hazelett
@laurainehazelet.bsky.social
Thinking about books, medieval manuscripts, & the 16th century | Art History Student | Writer | Loves Languages | 🍉
The polemic's name is derived from 'Areopagus', the principal council of ancient Athens. Areopagus is the Latin form of the original Greek 'Areios Pagos', which is translated as the 'Hill of Athens'. Saint Paul apparently also gave a sermon here.
(Raphael, 1515)
(Raphael, 1515)
November 23, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The polemic's name is derived from 'Areopagus', the principal council of ancient Athens. Areopagus is the Latin form of the original Greek 'Areios Pagos', which is translated as the 'Hill of Athens'. Saint Paul apparently also gave a sermon here.
(Raphael, 1515)
(Raphael, 1515)
On this day in 1644, John Milton (known for 'Paradise Lost') published 'Adelpagitica', a prose polemic against censorship and explicitly in favour of freedom of speech and of expression. Its publication was also during the English Civil War (with Milton on Cromwell's side).
November 23, 2025 at 2:47 PM
On this day in 1644, John Milton (known for 'Paradise Lost') published 'Adelpagitica', a prose polemic against censorship and explicitly in favour of freedom of speech and of expression. Its publication was also during the English Civil War (with Milton on Cromwell's side).
An 11th century page of a manuscript containing texts on Saint Martin of Tours (4th century). The parchment in this case is actually pigshide, and the ink is a bit faded due to its comparatively lower quality to the manuscripts most of us are used to seeing.
Example of Carolingian script.
Example of Carolingian script.
November 19, 2025 at 7:31 PM
An 11th century page of a manuscript containing texts on Saint Martin of Tours (4th century). The parchment in this case is actually pigshide, and the ink is a bit faded due to its comparatively lower quality to the manuscripts most of us are used to seeing.
Example of Carolingian script.
Example of Carolingian script.
Title page of the first Welsh (Cymraeg) translation of the Bible. Translated by William Morgan, Bishop of Llandaff and St. Asaph, who did so through his knowledge of Greek and Hebrew. The New Testament had been translated into Welsh once before, in 1567.
Ink on paper, 1588.
Ink on paper, 1588.
November 17, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Title page of the first Welsh (Cymraeg) translation of the Bible. Translated by William Morgan, Bishop of Llandaff and St. Asaph, who did so through his knowledge of Greek and Hebrew. The New Testament had been translated into Welsh once before, in 1567.
Ink on paper, 1588.
Ink on paper, 1588.
Simone Martini painted this Diptych c. 1333-40. It shows the Annunciation, telling Mary that she will become pregnant with Christ. The movement of Gabriël's garment shows us that he has just landed, and Mary's expression and posture are a prelude to him telling her be not afraid.
November 16, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Simone Martini painted this Diptych c. 1333-40. It shows the Annunciation, telling Mary that she will become pregnant with Christ. The movement of Gabriël's garment shows us that he has just landed, and Mary's expression and posture are a prelude to him telling her be not afraid.
My favourite ocean liner dome is the one that was in the first class drawing room of the RMS Mauritania (1907). Whereas the White Star Line put theirs above the grand staircases, Cunard decorated luxury sitting areas with theirs.
Ocean liners were rather like buses mixed with hotels.
Ocean liners were rather like buses mixed with hotels.
November 2, 2025 at 7:43 PM
My favourite ocean liner dome is the one that was in the first class drawing room of the RMS Mauritania (1907). Whereas the White Star Line put theirs above the grand staircases, Cunard decorated luxury sitting areas with theirs.
Ocean liners were rather like buses mixed with hotels.
Ocean liners were rather like buses mixed with hotels.
Titanic was far from the only ship with a glass dome. The White Star Line's SS Laurentic (1908) had a dome and grand staircase which already bore a number of features which the Olympic trio would later have as well, although it's certainly not as heavily decorated.
November 2, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Titanic was far from the only ship with a glass dome. The White Star Line's SS Laurentic (1908) had a dome and grand staircase which already bore a number of features which the Olympic trio would later have as well, although it's certainly not as heavily decorated.
Gouache on cardboard painting of Carpathia's rescue of Titanic survivors, painted by Colin Campbell Cooper, who was a passenger of the Carpathia when this infamous historic event took place.
Carpathia's mad dash through the night and Captain Rostron's efforts are awe inspiring.
Carpathia's mad dash through the night and Captain Rostron's efforts are awe inspiring.
November 1, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Gouache on cardboard painting of Carpathia's rescue of Titanic survivors, painted by Colin Campbell Cooper, who was a passenger of the Carpathia when this infamous historic event took place.
Carpathia's mad dash through the night and Captain Rostron's efforts are awe inspiring.
Carpathia's mad dash through the night and Captain Rostron's efforts are awe inspiring.
Victorian women could wear chatelaines, which were used for carrying keys and tools and the like.
Not only do they seem quite fashionable, but they also have more utilities than the average skirt or dress we can buy today (which often don't come with pockets).
Not only do they seem quite fashionable, but they also have more utilities than the average skirt or dress we can buy today (which often don't come with pockets).
September 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Victorian women could wear chatelaines, which were used for carrying keys and tools and the like.
Not only do they seem quite fashionable, but they also have more utilities than the average skirt or dress we can buy today (which often don't come with pockets).
Not only do they seem quite fashionable, but they also have more utilities than the average skirt or dress we can buy today (which often don't come with pockets).
This portrait of a young Elizabeth I shows how curiously Tudor corsets were shaped: straight down, elongating the body and practically removing breasts. The girdle further accentuates the lengthening of the torso.
(Side note: some ladies preferred a closed collar gown.)
(Side note: some ladies preferred a closed collar gown.)
September 8, 2025 at 11:14 AM
This portrait of a young Elizabeth I shows how curiously Tudor corsets were shaped: straight down, elongating the body and practically removing breasts. The girdle further accentuates the lengthening of the torso.
(Side note: some ladies preferred a closed collar gown.)
(Side note: some ladies preferred a closed collar gown.)
The Great Fire of London ended today in 1666. Among the many buildings that were destroyed was Old Saint Paul's Cathedral.
This is a typographic etching made in 1875, as shown in Early Christian Architecture by Francis Bond (1913). (Includes the spire destroyed in a 1561 fire.)
This is a typographic etching made in 1875, as shown in Early Christian Architecture by Francis Bond (1913). (Includes the spire destroyed in a 1561 fire.)
September 5, 2025 at 12:32 PM
The Great Fire of London ended today in 1666. Among the many buildings that were destroyed was Old Saint Paul's Cathedral.
This is a typographic etching made in 1875, as shown in Early Christian Architecture by Francis Bond (1913). (Includes the spire destroyed in a 1561 fire.)
This is a typographic etching made in 1875, as shown in Early Christian Architecture by Francis Bond (1913). (Includes the spire destroyed in a 1561 fire.)
It's on humid days like these that I remember Dutchies used to wear multilayered clothing during the Little Ice Age.
This is a portrait by Frans Hals of Aletta Hannemans (1625). Don't make fun of her bridal stomacher; the extended effect is intended. Also, the lace is superb.
This is a portrait by Frans Hals of Aletta Hannemans (1625). Don't make fun of her bridal stomacher; the extended effect is intended. Also, the lace is superb.
September 4, 2025 at 3:14 PM
It's on humid days like these that I remember Dutchies used to wear multilayered clothing during the Little Ice Age.
This is a portrait by Frans Hals of Aletta Hannemans (1625). Don't make fun of her bridal stomacher; the extended effect is intended. Also, the lace is superb.
This is a portrait by Frans Hals of Aletta Hannemans (1625). Don't make fun of her bridal stomacher; the extended effect is intended. Also, the lace is superb.
Romulus Augustus surrendered his crown to Odoacer on this day in 476 AD.
Don't let it distract you from how Theodoric ended Odoacer's reign in 493. Empires won through conquest *might* be short-lived.
19thC illustration from 'Cyclopedia of Universal History Volume 11'. 🧵
Don't let it distract you from how Theodoric ended Odoacer's reign in 493. Empires won through conquest *might* be short-lived.
19thC illustration from 'Cyclopedia of Universal History Volume 11'. 🧵
September 4, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Romulus Augustus surrendered his crown to Odoacer on this day in 476 AD.
Don't let it distract you from how Theodoric ended Odoacer's reign in 493. Empires won through conquest *might* be short-lived.
19thC illustration from 'Cyclopedia of Universal History Volume 11'. 🧵
Don't let it distract you from how Theodoric ended Odoacer's reign in 493. Empires won through conquest *might* be short-lived.
19thC illustration from 'Cyclopedia of Universal History Volume 11'. 🧵
Almost failed to realise that today, September the 3rd, was the day Oliver Cromwell died (1658). Cromwell was of course famous for being Lord Protector of England during its brief stint without a monarch.
This is an anonymous portrait, copied after an original by Samuel Cooper.
This is an anonymous portrait, copied after an original by Samuel Cooper.
September 3, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Almost failed to realise that today, September the 3rd, was the day Oliver Cromwell died (1658). Cromwell was of course famous for being Lord Protector of England during its brief stint without a monarch.
This is an anonymous portrait, copied after an original by Samuel Cooper.
This is an anonymous portrait, copied after an original by Samuel Cooper.
On September the 3rd, 301 AD, Saint Marinus the stonemason founded San Marino, the oldest republic still in existence.
This is an image of Saint Marinus as a hermit, working on a chapel with the San Marino in the background. Made by Raphaël Sadeler (1600).
This is an image of Saint Marinus as a hermit, working on a chapel with the San Marino in the background. Made by Raphaël Sadeler (1600).
September 3, 2025 at 5:04 PM
On September the 3rd, 301 AD, Saint Marinus the stonemason founded San Marino, the oldest republic still in existence.
This is an image of Saint Marinus as a hermit, working on a chapel with the San Marino in the background. Made by Raphaël Sadeler (1600).
This is an image of Saint Marinus as a hermit, working on a chapel with the San Marino in the background. Made by Raphaël Sadeler (1600).
Does the Mona Lisa actually smile? When you look at her face, you might think she does, but when you look just at her mouth, it's less obvious. Da Vinci's famous sfumato ("without lines or borders, in the manner of smoke") plays a little trick on your eyes here.
September 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Does the Mona Lisa actually smile? When you look at her face, you might think she does, but when you look just at her mouth, it's less obvious. Da Vinci's famous sfumato ("without lines or borders, in the manner of smoke") plays a little trick on your eyes here.
Picture from a side angle
September 3, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Picture from a side angle
St. Peter Cathedral, Regensburg
📸 taken by me in July 2022
📸 taken by me in July 2022
September 3, 2025 at 10:26 AM
St. Peter Cathedral, Regensburg
📸 taken by me in July 2022
📸 taken by me in July 2022
Lithograph of Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palastrina, by Henri-Joseph Hesse (1828).
Palastrina created many ecclesiastical masterpieces which are still used in Catholic Mass today.
Palastrina created many ecclesiastical masterpieces which are still used in Catholic Mass today.
September 3, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Lithograph of Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palastrina, by Henri-Joseph Hesse (1828).
Palastrina created many ecclesiastical masterpieces which are still used in Catholic Mass today.
Palastrina created many ecclesiastical masterpieces which are still used in Catholic Mass today.
- upon his request, because she wasn't having children. She then used her influence to get Henri to marry a distant Medici cousin of hers, Marie de' Medici, who would give birth to the future Louis XIII.
Portrait of Marie by Frans Pourbus the Younger, 1616.
Portrait of Marie by Frans Pourbus the Younger, 1616.
September 3, 2025 at 6:32 AM
- upon his request, because she wasn't having children. She then used her influence to get Henri to marry a distant Medici cousin of hers, Marie de' Medici, who would give birth to the future Louis XIII.
Portrait of Marie by Frans Pourbus the Younger, 1616.
Portrait of Marie by Frans Pourbus the Younger, 1616.
A drawing c. 1572 by François Clouet depicting Princess Margaret of France (Valois dynasty), also known as Marguerite or Margot (the latter bestowed upon her by the author Alexandre Dumas).
Margaret was considered especially beautiful at the time. 🧵
Margaret was considered especially beautiful at the time. 🧵
September 3, 2025 at 6:32 AM
A drawing c. 1572 by François Clouet depicting Princess Margaret of France (Valois dynasty), also known as Marguerite or Margot (the latter bestowed upon her by the author Alexandre Dumas).
Margaret was considered especially beautiful at the time. 🧵
Margaret was considered especially beautiful at the time. 🧵
Reminder to keep a physical journal. Your future self will thank you.
September 3, 2025 at 5:14 AM
Reminder to keep a physical journal. Your future self will thank you.
The night sky looks vastly different than most of us are used to. Our street lights cause the faintness of the milkyway in the sky to get blocked from our view. It's always there, but it's hidden behind the veil of light pollution.
Image by Thomas Ciszewski via Unsplash.
Image by Thomas Ciszewski via Unsplash.
September 2, 2025 at 10:55 PM
The night sky looks vastly different than most of us are used to. Our street lights cause the faintness of the milkyway in the sky to get blocked from our view. It's always there, but it's hidden behind the veil of light pollution.
Image by Thomas Ciszewski via Unsplash.
Image by Thomas Ciszewski via Unsplash.
Medieval manuscripts often have an optional game of "guess the beastie". Like this snake fish mammal thing in Catherine de' Medici's Book of Hours, for example.
This was made c. 1480, predating the owner it was named for.
MS 013 in the Schoyen Collection.
This was made c. 1480, predating the owner it was named for.
MS 013 in the Schoyen Collection.
September 2, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Medieval manuscripts often have an optional game of "guess the beastie". Like this snake fish mammal thing in Catherine de' Medici's Book of Hours, for example.
This was made c. 1480, predating the owner it was named for.
MS 013 in the Schoyen Collection.
This was made c. 1480, predating the owner it was named for.
MS 013 in the Schoyen Collection.
A beautiful Middle Dutch manuscript which is held in our university library. If I recall correctly, this was a Book of Hours made for a female owner, as these small illuminated books often were.
I particularly adored the way the blue contrasted with the gold leaf here.
I particularly adored the way the blue contrasted with the gold leaf here.
September 2, 2025 at 6:26 PM
A beautiful Middle Dutch manuscript which is held in our university library. If I recall correctly, this was a Book of Hours made for a female owner, as these small illuminated books often were.
I particularly adored the way the blue contrasted with the gold leaf here.
I particularly adored the way the blue contrasted with the gold leaf here.