Picasa Web Albums - Julianna Lees

Seville Archaeological Museum - Visigothic collection

Unfortunately the famous gold treasure from el Carambolo was not on display during our visit. I have put my remarks about this museum on Tripadvisor. The Roman mosaics and sculptures - a particularly fine collection - is on another album.

Jan 6, 2012

Photos: 25

Seville Archaeological Museum, Roman collection

Unfortunately the famous gold treasure from El Carambolo was not on display during our visit. I have put my remarks about this museum on Tripadvisor. The Roman mosaics and sculptures - a particularly fine collection - are on this album, the Visigothic collection is on another album. I was not able to take photos in the basement where the pre-historic artifacts are housed, including the strangely-named Tartessian and Turdetanian items, and where the treasure from El Carambolo is on display normally.

Dec 30, 2011

Photos: 84

MNAC Barcelona, painted wooden panels - photographs by Peter Hubert

Dec 10, 2011

Photos: 37

MNAC Barcelona, frescos from Catalan churches - photographs by Peter Hubert

Dec 10, 2011

Photos: 148

Throne of St Mark, Venice

Also known as the "Sedia di San Marco" or as a "Trono reliquario" (Reliquary Throne), this bishop's chair is in the Treasury of St Mark, Venice. It is made of alabaster and is the size of a small chair and has been well-used. Originally from Alexandria, it was probably already in Venice by the 9th century, whether as plunder or for safe keeping. Usually said to be 6th century, the throne has also been claimed by a few writers to be much older. The disc by the head is not the original. The iconography would appear to be associated with the symbols of the Four Evangelists, though the centre of the back is carved with a Tree of Life and the four Rivers running out of Eden surmounted by a bull. Stephan Huller has a book and several online articles describing this chair. NB - All the photos are on the Internet. None of them were taken by me.

Dec 10, 2011

Photos: 12

Pompeii Exhibition, Musée Maillol, Paris, September 30 2011

The Musée Maillol, Paris, hosted a fascinating exhibition of life in Pompeii from September 2011 to February 2012

Sep 30, 2011

Photos: 31

Bourg-Argental, Loire

Jul 5, 2011

Photos: 53

Mosaic pavement, The Four Rivers of Paradise, Die, France

Jul 4, 2011

Photos: 41

Die Cathedral, Drôme, France

Not much remains of the ancient cathedral at Die, but there are six fine 12thc capitals in pairs around three sides of the porch, a remarkable (though very damaged) tympanum showing a Crucifixion attended by winged horses, and a few other features of some interest.

Jul 4, 2011

Photos: 36

Die - a Roman town near Grenoble

Jul 4, 2011

Photos: 24

Saillans, the church of St Geraud, near Die

The 12th century church of St Geraud, Saillans, near Die, has pre-Romanesque origins. Seven Carolingian fragments can still be seen. There is also a Roman milestone, used as a holy water stoup.

Jul 4, 2011

Photos: 11

Abbazia di Fruttuaria at San Benigno Canavese, Volpiano, near Turin

Fruttuaria Abbey at San Benigno Canavese - 23kms from Turin. Saint William of Volpiano founded the Abbey of Fruttuaria on his family's lands near Volpiano in 1003, for the use of his own family and others.

Jul 3, 2011

Photos: 24

The Abbey of Vezzolano near Albugnano, Piedmont

The Abbey of Santa Maria di Vezzolano, dating from 1095, was managed by the regular canons of St Augustine. Its greatest development was in the 12th and 13th centuries. In 1800 Vezzolano was declared national property and the church became nothing more than a rural chapel of the parish of Albugnano. The church has a façade with protrusions, adorned by blind loggias. The central window has a statue of Christ Blessing and the archangels Gabriel and Raphael. The interior consists of a nave and one side aisle and there is a cross vault ceiling. Among the works of art are the polychrome sculptures in the bigger apse, and those in the jube, a rare architectural element with scenes of the Dormition of the Virgin and her ancestors. On the north Wall of the cloister there are frescoes dating to between 1230 and 1330.

Jul 3, 2011

Photos: 76

Museo di Antichita - Museum of Ancient Art, Turin

Photography is not permitted at this museum, so I had a problem snapping and my photos are mostly not up to standard. I am particularly anxious to get a better picture of that intriguing bowl of the Golasecca culture - it is not easy to find out any more about it . . . contributions to this album will be welcomed.

Jul 2, 2011

Photos: 55

The Medieval collections in the Palazzo Madama

Jul 2, 2011

Photos: 106

Turin, Basilica of San Salvatore - remains of mosaic pavement

The ancient Basilica of San Salvatore and the other two churches making up the complex (as in Aquileia?) were destroyed in the 15th century to make way for the present cathedral. Read about it here: http://www.museotorino.it/view/preview/c31347e011504ee48069d9d2ad893944/1 A great mosaic pavement depicting the Mappa Mundi and the Wheel of Fortune once covered the sanctuary. Remains of it can be seen (with difficulty) under a glass pyramid near the cathedral. It is difficult to photograph. Better images than mine can be seen on the site above. A few elements from San Salvatore can be seen in Turin's Episcopal museum and in the Palazzo Madama.

Jul 2, 2011

Photos: 18

Turin, The Egyptian Museum

As the first royal city of modern Italy, Turin has a splendid number of grand buildings and great museums. The Egyptian museum has the finest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world after Cairo. Those from ancient (but Christian) Egypt are on a separate album.

Jul 2, 2011

Photos: 175

Turin, The Egyptian Museum - Christian artifacts

Jul 2, 2011

Photos: 33

Turin - Roman remains

Turin is a city with extensive Roman remains including an imposing gateway with two towers, walls, a forum, a theatre and the remains of a temple.

Jul 2, 2011

Photos: 12

Orta San Giulio, the ambo in the church on the island and the 12thc capitals and crypt

This 12thc pulpit carved in dark, green serpentine from Oira, is in the basilica on the delightful small island where William (or Guglielmo, or Guillaume) of Volpiano was born, in 962.

Jul 1, 2011

Photos: 54

Orta San Giulio

This album contains images that do not include the Romanesque and pre-Romanesque elements of the Basilica, which are on a separate album.

Jul 1, 2011

Photos: 35

San Giovanni in Montorfano near Pallanza

San Giovanni in Montorfano is near Pallanza, on a mountain above lake Maggiore. Unique among the Romanesque churches of this area for having a Greek-cross plan, it is built of stone from the ancient quarries of the area on a site that has been a place of worship since pre-Christian times. The footings of the pre-Romanesque church are being excavated. The church we see now was once a separate Baptistery, and a 6th century font, sunk into the pavement, is still in place.

Jun 30, 2011

Photos: 18

San Remigio, Pallanza

San Remigio, 459-532, was Bishop of Rheims, and missionary in Gaul. Part of the church is pre-Romanesque. There are two Roman altars and a small sarcophagus in the nave. The choir is decorated with a 12thc fresco of Christ in Majesty and the 12 Apostles.

Jun 30, 2011

Photos: 24

Santo Stefano, Pallanza

The Roman origins of ths site are confirmed by a marble votive cippus from the 1st century AD, which is used as an altar stand. Known as the "Ara delle Matrone" (altar of the Mother Goddesses), it was dedicated to the emperor Germnaicus by a freedman named Narcissus. It was walled up inside an altar in the earlier (Romanesque) church until the 17th century, when it was transferred to the present church. The top part of the altar is decorated with laurel festoons tied with ribbons. The front shows a scene of a sacrifice, surmounted by the inscription. The other sides depict five female figures, dancing in honour of the Mother Goddesses.

Jun 30, 2011

Photos: 10

Three small Romanesque churches near Stresa

There are several small Romanesque churches in villages near and above Stresa, Lake Maggiore. These tend to be smaller than those further North, near Pallanza. I have a separate album for the abbey of San Salvatore which was once a great foundation.

Jun 30, 2011

Photos: 10

San Salvatore, Massino Visconti

The Benedictine Abbey of San Salvatore, Massino Visconti, was established in the 10th century, on a high mountain with views over Lake Maggiore, above Stresa. The cloister has been turned into a restaurant, but it still seems like a remote and not very accesible place and there are still many fascinating details including a hermitage, an oratory, etc. The apse is not easy to see, due to the steep incline, so I have included the aerial views from the restaurant.

Jun 29, 2011

Photos: 29

Baveno, the church of San Gervasio and San Protasio

The saints Gervasio and Protasio were two Roman martyrs. The Baptistery was thought by Kingsley Porter to date from about 1150-75 though some would like to see it as much older.

Jun 28, 2011

Photos: 9

Isola dei Pescatori, church of San Vittore

The church of San Vittore (St Victor the Moor) on the Isola dei Pescatori, formerly one of the three Borromeo islands on Lake Maggiore, has ancient origins. The present church dates from 1627, but a vestige of the earlier church remains in the apse and bell tower. The old church was previously dedicated to San Gangolfo, whose veneration was linked to the Abbey of San Donato, Scozzola, Sesto Calende, and was probably built by monks from that foundation. For more information, please click on: http://www.verbanensia.org/scrineum/VB_Isola_Superiore_S.Vittore.pdf

Jun 27, 2011

Photos: 5

Abbazia di Novalesa, Susa, Piedmont

The first Abbey Church at Novalesa dates to the VIII-IXc. The chapel of St Eldrado was built at the beginning of the XIc over the remains of an older chapel. The frescos date from the end of the XIc. They have been cleaned but not restored as they are mostly in excellent condition. There are two other chapels near by: Santa Maria (also Romanesque) and San Michele, VIIIc. For more on the Abbey of Novalesa, please see: http://www.abbazianovalesa.org

Jun 26, 2011

Photos: 44

Sacra di San Michele

The Sacra di San Michele was built from the 10th century onwards. The sculpture of Maestro Nicolao (Master Niccolo) of Piacenza on the Zodiac Portal is dated 1128-1130. He was the most famous pupil of Wiligelmo and his work can also be seen in Piacenza, Ferrara and elsewhere in Italy. For further information about the Sacra di San Michele please click on: http://www.sacradisanmichele.com/eng/test_display/index/id/24/cat/8

Jun 26, 2011

Photos: 36

Sacra di San Michele

The Sacra di San Michele was built from the 10th century onwards. The Chapel of the Monks' Sepulchre at the foot of the hill is late 11th-early 12thc. The sculpture of Maestro Nicolao (Master Niccolo) of Piacenza on the Zodiac Portal is dated 1128-1130 and is on the adjacent album.

Jun 26, 2011

Photos: 35

Embrun Cathedral - Cathédrale Notre Dame du Réal

Notre Dame du Réal at Embrun is more like a church from Lombardy, uniquely among the churches of this area. This part of France was then in Savoy, but it is evidence of the extensive cultural exchanges at a time when boundaries were fluid and craftsmen and prelates travelled constantly.

Jun 25, 2011

Photos: 34

Chapel of St Jean l'Argentière-la-Bessée

The chapel of St Jean is 12thc, the last vestige in the High Alps of a commandery of the Order of the Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem. These monks played a fundamental role in the history of the region.

Jun 25, 2011

Photos: 11

Susa, Italy

Susa, in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, was founded by the Celts, colonised by the Romans, invaded by the Lombards, and has some splendid Roman remains. It is not far from the French border or from Turin. The superb Romanesque Abbey at Novalesa is 8kms from Susa on the way to France; the fabulous Abbey known as the Sacra di San Michele is on the way to Turin.

Jun 25, 2011

Photos: 38

Chapelle St Donat near Ganagobie Abbey

The Chapelle St Donat, near Ganagobie Abbey, is a Romanesque church built on the site of a 5th century hermitage. One can not get inside, but doors set in both North and South walls are always open (but barred).

Jun 23, 2011

Photos: 8

Moustiers Ste-Marie

The church at Moustiers Ste-Marie has the original Romanesque bell tower but the church is otherwise chiefly interesting for having a late Roman sarcophagus for an altar.

Jun 23, 2011

Photos: 7

Ganagobie Abbey, June 23, 2011

Jun 22, 2011

Photos: 36

Riez

The 5th century Baptistery at Riez, part of an early Christian group of Baptistery and Basilica, was built on the ruins of a Roman temple, using Roman materials. The remains of a 1st century Roman temple - probably to Apollo - can be seen near by.

Jun 22, 2011

Photos: 26

St Martin de Bromes

The Gallo-Roman burial of Castellet was discovered at the Southern entrance to the village in 1972. The artifacts found with the sarcophagus indicate a likely pagan burial. The ground floor of the 14th century tower is open (free of charge), as a tiny museum, to display this 4th century burial, complete with skeleton and grave goods. Opposite is the Romanesque church.

Jun 22, 2011

Photos: 11

St Guilhem-le-Désert, the Abbey

The Romanesque Abbey of Gellone was founded by St Guilhem, Duke of Aquitaine, friend and cousin of Charlemagne. The only gift the saint would accept from his illustrious kinsman was a relic of the True Cross. This relic helped to ensure the success of the Abbey as an important centre of pilgrimage along the Compostel Way. Among the beautiful items to be seen is a 12th century marble altar of exquisite manufacture, probably from Italy. The museum in the refectory displays a collection of stone sculpture: late Roman sarcophagi, Visigothic, Merovingian, Carolingian and Romanesque fragments, capitals and columns. The tragedy of St Guilhem is that much of the cloister was bought by Rockefeller and is now in the Cloisters Museum, New York. http://www.st-guilhem-le-desert.com/st-guilhem-abbaye1.html

Jun 21, 2011

Photos: 64

St Gilles du Gard

Saint-Gilles abbey church The foundations of this abbey church were begun in the 9th century. Set in the heart of a prosperous town, it was a famous place of pilgrimage until the 13th century. In the 12th century, the building was enlarged. The lower church -the crypt - is well preserved and contains the tomb of Saint Gilles. The upper church has been damaged and rebuilt many times. The vast and sculpted facade, illustrating scenes from the Passion, was carved in the mid 12th century and was a very influential piece of architecture in the region. Another remarkable work is the Saint Gilles screw, a beautiful spiral staircase fashioned out of stone, which also dates from the 12th century.

Jun 21, 2011

Photos: 82

Cenac, nr Sarlat, Dordogne

Jun 19, 2011

Photos: 46

Château de Fénélon, Jun 19, 2011

Photography is not permitted inside the castle, so my interiors are taken from brochures, in particular: http://www.demeure-historique.org/spip.php?article954

Jun 19, 2011

Photos: 23

Montagrier in all seasons - compiled February 2011

Montagrier can be lovely all the year round - we often have a fortnight of glorious weather in November and another in February. It's like that right now - blue sky, sunshine, 15° and not a breath of wind! We've just had a walk around the village and another on the hill behind.

Feb 6, 2011

Photos: 55

Montsaunès, St Christophe - a Templar chapel in the Pyrenees

All the pictures in this album were taken by Peter Hubert. See: http://www.green-man-of-cercles.org/articles/languedoc_churches.pdf for his notes on this church, and other churches in the area. Montsaunès, St Christophe, a Templar chapel in the Pyrenees, is nearly all that remains of this former Commanderie. Built in 1180, it is remarkable both for its fine Romanesque sculptures and for the 13thc frescos in the interior. The masks around the entrance are most unusual, and surely based on Roman theatre masks, such as can be seen in the St Raymond museum at Toulouse. Another unusual feature is the astronomical symbolism, such as the large and twelve small circles painted on the vault, alleged to symbolise Christ and the twelve apostles. The chapel is on a byway of the Compostella routes.

Jan 13, 2011

Photos: 43

St Aventin, Haute Garonne

All the pictures in this album were taken by Peter Hubert. See: http://www.green-man-of-cercles.org/articles/languedoc_churches.pdf to read his notes on this church and others in the area

Jan 12, 2011

Photos: 46

Seu d'Urgell, 13thc frescos

The photographs are by Jean-Pierre Bétoin and the Museum website: http://www.museudiocesaurgell.org/romanico/uk/home.htm from which I also copied extracts. "Wall paintings can be seen in the Romanesque church of St Peter, and the Renaissance church of the Pietà. . . Works of art ranging from the 10th to the 18th century, a true anthology of historical styles from Moorish symbolism to Baroque opulence. Recently, the Museum has been enlarged with the refurbishing of the old Deanery. . . From this historic building, there are splendid views of the cloister and the cathedral. The Urgell Museum now has 26 mural paintings, 19 of which are from the high Romanesque era (12th-13th centuries) and another 7 belong to a later period (14th-15th centuries). Some of these pictures have been badly damaged, others are in a reasonable state of repair, but half a dozen of them are almost intact and of exceptional quality."

Jan 6, 2011

Photos: 23

Architectural canopies of Romanesque France and Nazareth, Palestine

This album is to help make comparisons for the purpose of dating, and observing influences

Dec 16, 2010

Photos: 30

Auxerre Cathedral Crypt

Auxerre Cathedral still remains unfinished, despite the fact that its construction was drawn out over more than three centuries from 1215 to 1560: the southernmost of the two west front towers has never been completed. Compensation for this lies in the richly detailed sculpture of the porches and in the glorious colours of the original thirteenth-century glass that still fills the windows of the choir, despite the savagery of the Wars of Religion and the Revolution. There has been a church on the site since about 400 AD, though nothing visible survives earlier than the eleventh-century crypt. Among its frescoes is a unique depiction of a warrior Christ mounted on a white charger, accompanied by four mounted angels and a representation of Christ in Majesty with Alpha and Omega.

Oct 2, 2010

Photos: 12

Auxerre, Abbaye St Germain, Abbey and Museum

The abbey church of St Germain, now a museum, is a treasure house. The belfry is 12thc., while the crypt is one of the few surviving examples of Carolingian architecture with frescos dating back to around 850 AD. Beneath the church are ancient foundations and tombs. The chapter house contains a fabulous Byzantine silk shroud of around 1000, known as the Shroud of St Germain. Bishop of Auxerre, he lived around 378-348, and died at Ravenna where he was much admired by Galla Placidia. According to local tradition, five noble maidens brought his body back to Auxerre at his request, and at the behest of Galla Placida. One of them, Sainte Magnance, died nearby. You can see the 12th c. tomb here: http://picasaweb.google.com/JuliannaLees/SainteMagnanceNearAvallonBurgundy# Upstairs, a museum contains some splendid archaeological finds.

Oct 1, 2010

Photos: 42

Avallon, St Lazaire

The formerly collegiate church of Saint Lazarus (St Lazare), dates from the twelfth century, on an earlier foundation dedicated to Notre Dame. Vestiges of the earlier church were revealed beneath the high altar in an excavation of 1861. The acquisition of a relic of Saint Lazare prompted its re-dedication: ''Saint Ladre'' is attested in the fourteenth century. It was the seat of an archdeaconate answering to the Diocese of Autun. The two western portals are densely adorned with Romanesque sculpture; the tower on the left of the facade was rebuilt in the seventeenth century. The Tour de L'Horloge, pierced by a gateway through which passes the Grande Rue, is an eleventh century structure containing a museum on its second floor. Remains of the ancient fortifications, including seven of the flanking towers, are still to be seen. Avallon has a statue of Vauban, the military engineer of Louis XIV.

Sep 28, 2010

Photos: 26

Sainte Magnance near Avallon, Burgundy

The 12th century "tomb" of Sainte Magnance is now in a more modern church of that name in its eponymous village half way between Avallon and Sémur-en-Auxois, North of Saulieu. It was broken up during the Revolution but has been repaired. The legend of the maiden who brought the body of St Germain back from Ravenna to Auxerre at his request, and at the behest of Galla Placida, can be read here: http://www.yonne-89.net/sainteMagnance.htm This was in the second half of the 5th century. Magnance was one of 5 noble maidens to make the journey but she sickened after crossing the Alps and died at this spot, where she asked to be buried. A pilgrim in the 7th century, choosing to sleep here, with the skull of a horse as a pillow, dreamt of her. The next morning her skeleton was exhumed and the tomb was constructed as a reliquary some centuries later.

Sep 26, 2010

Photos: 8

Lullingstone Roman Villa

Lullingstone Roman Villa is the largest private villa found in Roman Britain. It is also the site of the first evidence of Christianity in Roman Britain, with a house-church decorated with the Chi-rho symbol and orantes. These wall paintings are now in the British Museum. There is also a magnificent mosaic decorated with scenes from classical mythology. A lead coffin is decorated with a scallop shell, like a similar sarcophagus in the Museum of London.

Aug 9, 2010

Photos: 44

Silchester Roman Town, Hants

Click the minus sign on the map till you can see the location in context.

Aug 9, 2010

Photos: 19

Itineraire Baroque

Susanna and I went on the Itineraire Baroque, 31 July 2010. This year the six, half-hour concerts took place in the churches at St Astier, St Aquilin, Segonzac, St Pardoux, Chanterac and St Germain de Salembre. The first concert began at 9.30 and the last at 17.30. We had a delightful picnic in the woods, and saw some charming châteaux along the way. The weather was perfect.

Jul 31, 2010

Photos: 12

St Just de Valcabrère

St Just de Valcabrère is in a valley below St Bertrand de Comminges. There is an excellent description here: http://pedagogie.ac-toulouse.fr/histgeo/monog/stbertr/valca.htm The photographs were taken by Peter Hubert, whose description of both churches can be read here: http://www.green-man-of-cercles.org/articles/languedoc_churches.pdf

Jul 2, 2010

Photos: 32

From Chassenon to Confolens - a day out with the Wilsons

We took the Wilsons to Confolens to have tea with the Welshes. On the way we visited the Roman baths at Chassenon, said to be the largest in Europe outside Rome. First we saw the village church, afterwards we had a picnic, and then we viewed the small meteorite museum at Rochechouart. Millions of years ago, a 1.5 km meteorite falling on the area with four times the force of Hiroshima, was among those that rid the world of dinosaurs. We had a delicious tea with Frank and Agnes before returning, tired but very happy.

Jun 22, 2010

Photos: 38

Bogd Khan's Winter Palace

On our final visit to Ulaanbaatar we visited the Bogd Khan's Winter Palace. Built in the early 20th century in the style of Buddhist temples plus a European main block, the Bogd Khan (spiritual leader of Mongolia) and his queen, resided there for 20 winters. The temples were decorated by Mongolia's foremost artist, Zanabazar, and his school, and furnished with Buddhist treasures. After their deaths the complex became a museum, and a modern building was added to house more antique artifacts.

May 25, 2010

Photos: 13

Natural History Museum, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

On our last day before returning to Moscow, we saw the Natural History Museum in Ulaanbaatar.

May 25, 2010

Photos: 81

Bayan Olgi Province, Ulgii Town, Museum of Ethnography

The Museum of Ethnography in Ulgii is a country cousin of the Museums of History and Natural History in Ulaanbaatar - combined. It has three storeys with the most interesting - Ethnography section - on the top floor. We were asked to pay extra to see this, and also to take photos, of course.

May 24, 2010

Photos: 53

Khustai National Park

Back from Bayan-Olgii province, we had a night in Ulaanbaator (great to wash selves and clothes after 5 days!) and then set off for Khustai National Park. This is a famous reserve for flora and fauna, home to the "prehistoric" Prezwalski (or Takhi) horses, to deer, wolf, marmots, ground squirrels and huge domestic herds & flocks. We spent one night in a holiday ger camp followed by two in the guest ger of a well-known herder family.

May 22, 2010

Photos: 22

Bayan-Olgii province - Aralbei, the Eagle Hunter

There are about 400 Kazakh eagle hunters in Bayan-Olgii province, and Aralbei is among the most famous. May is too late in the year to do real hunting with the eagles, but they still need to be taken out and kept in training. We rode out across the steppe and up into the rocky mountains. When it got steep we dismounted and led our horses. Then, when it got steeper and more dangerous we tethered them to thorn bushes and continued to the summit, from where Kara was launched with bits of lamb on the bone as a lure.

May 16, 2010

Photos: 8

Bayan-Olgii province - Ulgii town

Ulgii has an airport, and you can fly to (or from) Ulaanbaatar in three hours. If you can't afford this, the journey by bus takes three days! From here it took us another three hours to reach the home of Aralbei the Kazakh eagle hunter by Russian 4x4.

May 14, 2010

Photos: 17

Bayan-Olgii province - at Aralbei's

We spent 5 days staying with Aralbei, famous eagle hunter, and his family, three hours' drive across the Steppe from Ulgii and surrounded by the Altai mountains. We were: Jarga our guide & interpreter, Janka, the cook, our driver, and us. We were very hospitably received by Aralbei and Khasna, their son, Arenbek, and his wife, Bakhu. Cousins who lived "next door" were constant visitors. Khasna had made her husband's Kazakh eagle hunters' hat (unchanged since the time of Chinggis Khan!). I got her to make one for me, too, though these hats are not usually worn by women.

May 14, 2010

Photos: 20

Mongolia, Bayan-Olgii Province

After 5 days in Moscow staying at the smart Budapest Hotel, we flew to Ulaanbaatar (6 hours) and the next day to the West of Mongolia (3 hours) to the chief town there, Ulgii. The following day we travelled by Russian 4x4 with driver, Jarga our guide and Janka the cook, to spend 5 days with the family of Aralbei, Kazakh eagle hunter, fisherman and local hero. Some of the photos on this album were taken by Jarga.

May 13, 2010

Photos: 35

Terelj National Park, Mongolia

May 13, 2010

Photos: 14

Gandan Buddhist Temple, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

You can read all about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandantegchinlen_Monastery

May 13, 2010

Photos: 28

National Museum of Mongolian History, Ulaanbaatar

We visited the Museum of Mongolian History, Ulaanbaatar, on our first day in the city. There are three floors displaying all aspects of Mongolian history and pre-history up to the present. I have divided my photos into three albums, early, traditional clothing, and traditional artifacts of Mongolia from the time of Chinggis Khan.

May 12, 2010

Photos: 46

National Museum of Mongolian History, Ulaanbaatar, clothing of Mongolia

We visited the Museum of Mongolian History, Ulaanbaatar, on our first day in the city. This album covers traditional clothing, and accessories of Mongolia. Most of the clothes displayed are 18th-19th century, but many garments are little changed since the time of Chinggis Khan.

May 12, 2010

Photos: 35

National Museum of Mongolian History, Ulaanbaatar, traditional artifacts of Mongolia

May 12, 2010

Photos: 51

Moscow, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral

We were unable to get into Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral until the Monday after the weekend of the great parade. Unfortunately the Kremlin State Historical Museum is closed on Mondays, but we spent much of the morning seeing everything else.

May 11, 2010

Photos: 33

The Kremlin

We were unable to get into The Kremlin until the Monday after the weekend of the great parade. Unfortunately the Archbishop's Palace Museum is closed on Mondays, but we spent much of the afternoon seeing everything else.

May 11, 2010

Photos: 41

between Moscow and Mongolia

We had a six-hour flight between Moscow and Mongolia.

May 11, 2010

Photos: 14

Moscow, Pushkin Museum and surroundings

The Pushkin is Moscow's other great gallery, with artifacts from the Romanesque period, a fine collection of paintings, especially of the Renaissance, and sculpture galleries. It is situated opposite the Church of Christ the Saviour, and has two subsidiary galleries close by. The Impressionist Gallery was unfortunately closed during our visit as was the Nicholas Roes Institute, which I would have liked to see. I visited the Pushkin gallery from 20th c. private collections, which was interesting, but photography was not permitted.

May 10, 2010

Photos: 50

Sergiev Posad - Zagorsk

Sergiev Posad - or Zagorsk - as it was called during the Communist period, is about 70 kms North of Moscow. Vaut le voyage! We went by bus and returned by train - the journey takes over an hour either way, but is not complicated. The monastery complex is similar to the heart of the Kremlin but more colourful, and it teems with monks and pilgrims. The most famous icon painter, Andrei Rublyev lived and worked here. There is an excellent web site for further information: http://www.stsl.ru/ and also: http://www.musobl.divo.ru/archit_e.html On our return we visited Old Arbat Street and dined in an Uzbek restaurant.

May 10, 2010

Photos: 53

Moscow, Tretyakov Gallery

We were glad to find the Tretyakov Gallery open as half Moscow was closed during the weekend of the great Parade to celebrate 65 years since the end of the Second World War. The paintings exhibited there go from the early years of icon painting to the 20th century.

May 8, 2010

Photos: 39

The Fly Past

The great parade was not for the People - or the tourists - but for the participants and VIPs. The rest of us had to watch it on television. We could, however, enjoy the Fly Past, and there were fireworks in the evening.

May 8, 2010

Photos: 27

Moscow, The Budapest Hotel 7-11 May 2010

We spent 4 nights at the Budapest Hotel, Moscow, chosen partly because it is not too far from the Bolshoi. We arrived just as the curtain was going up, for a performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Tsar's Bride". It was a mixed blessing to be in Moscow the weekend of the great parade for the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. This was very much for participants and VIPs. The people were prevented from getting near Red Square by barricades everywhere around - like everyone else, we walked miles in the hope of finding a breach - in vain! Most of the museums were closed during much of our visit, but nevertheless we saw a good deal during our five days, taking the overnight plane to Ulaanbaatar on the evening of our fifth day.

May 7, 2010

Photos: 16

Moscow, 7-11 May 2010

We spent 5 days in Moscow on the way to Mongolia, during the 65th celebrations to commemorate the end of the Second World War

May 7, 2010

Photos: 75

Victoria & Albert Museum, New Medieval & Renaissance Galleries

On April Fool's Day I had lunch at the V&A with Robin and Jeremy - just off his plane from Florida. Then spent a happy afternoon in the new Medieval Galleries where they joined me.

Apr 13, 2010

Photos: 100

Easter Holiday at Henrietta's in London

We spent two happy nights at Henrietta's, and had a visit to the V&A with Jeremy - just back from Florida - got our Mongolian visas and returned to a super dinner.

Apr 1, 2010

Photos: 7

The Louvre - from the collections of Luristan artifacts, Sassanian and other Persian items

In addition to photos taken in the collections of Luristan artifacts, Sassanian and other Persian items in the Louvre, I took a few from the region around Tyre.

Mar 27, 2010

Photos: 49

Pisa sculptures

These photos belong to Francesco Malatesta, http://picasaweb.google.com/francomalatesta/PisaDuomoEPiazzaDeiMiracoli# I have extracted some details of the bronze door panels by Bonanno of Pisa, 1180, where cintamani can be seen, as well as architectural details which I liked particularly.

Dec 5, 2009

Photos: 33

French Gothic Sculpture 1140-1500

These are the slides used for my half-hour introduction to French Gothic Sculpture for the Winter Study Group of An Aquitaine Historical Society at Montagrier on 24 November, 2009. This short talk followed an introduction to Gothic Architecture by Kit Rees-Evans. The text & slide titles can be seen here: http://www.green-man-of-cercles.org/articles/french_gothic_sculpture.pdf Most of the photographs are my own, but a few were taken by friends and - where necessary - I have borrowed a few from the Internet. The music used was Gregorian Chant from the CD, "Quand le chant Gregorien s'appelait chant Messin".

Nov 22, 2009

Photos: 107

Collonges la Rouge

The monastic church of St Pierre at Collonges la Rouge was built in the XI century but suffered during the Wars of Religion. The tympanum, of white stone, representing the Ascent of Christ above his mother and the Apostles, was only restored to the town in 1923. Collonges la Rouge is on the Compostela Way. These photos were taken by Christian Caballé in October, 2009

Nov 15, 2009

Photos: 7

St Jean le Vieux, Perpignan

The Romanesque church of St Jean le Vieux has a beautiful marble entrance but has been marginalised by the newer Cathedral. Only the entrance can be seen and it is now down an alley belonging to a bistro, on private property, so one has to ask permission to see it.

Nov 13, 2009

Photos: 13

Conques - Abbey

The Abbey of Sainte Foy (St Faith) at Conques is one of the least altered Romanesque shrines along the pilgrimage route to Compostela. Dating back to 819, the present church was completed in 1120. It is worth reading about its history and about the famous 9thc golden reliquary of St Faith now housed in the abbey museum.

Nov 13, 2009

Photos: 31

St-Denis Basilica, Paris

I took these pictures in 2004. The royal basilica of St Denis is considered to be the first Gothic building in France, and it is largely due to the brilliant and prestigious abbot, Suger (1081-1151). The Abbey had been founded in the 7thc by Dagobert I, King of the Franks and became a royal mausoleum where most of the French kings are buried. A large number of their marble effigies were carved in the 13thc.

Nov 9, 2009

Photos: 65

St Benet de Bages

The Romanesque monastery of St Benet de Bages near Manresa and NW of Barcelona was once more important than Montserrat. It is now a hotel and conference centre.

Oct 23, 2009

Photos: 93

St Martin de Canigou

The Romanesque Abbey of St Martin de Canigou is perched on a mountain above Vernet les Bains. It is a stiff 35-40 minute climb above the village of Casteil where you have to leave your car. You will need comfortable shoes and a good stick - and don't forget your water bottle! It is well worth the effort for the superb sculptures and marvellous views. Guided tours only, on the hour (but not every hour). Entry costs 5 euros; there is a shop. The Abbey was consecrated first in 1009 and again in 1014 and remained occupied by Benedictine monks until 1783, after which it was looted by local inhabitants and fell into disrepair. Restored in the XX century, St Martin de Canigou has been inhabited since 1988 by the Community of the Beatitudes (formerly known as the Community of the Lion of Judah and the Immolated Lamb). St Martin is one of three wonderful abbeys near Prades, the other two are St Michel de Cuxa and the Priory of Serrabona.

Oct 14, 2009

Photos: 84

Roman Green Men

"Green Men" are to be found in great numbers in churches in France, where they may well have originated under the influence of the huge amount of Roman sculpture still extant in the medieval period, especially in Aquitaine. It is possible that they made their way to England by way of the Norman, Angevin and Aquitaine nobles who became the patrons of ecclesiastical art , or by the many exchanges of bishops and monks within Christendom. Similar tranformations of Okeanos and other Hellenistic and Roman deities into the "Green Man" found in churches can be seen in Italy, Germany, Spain and many other countries. It was Kathleen Basford who first noted the phenomenon, taking the study of Green Men further than Lady Raglan in a previous generation.

Jul 15, 2009

Photos: 17

Some Romanesque images from Languedoc and Provence

These pictures were sent to me by Peter Hubert

Jul 1, 2009

Photos: 44

Robin's lunch 26 June 09

Jun 26, 2009

Photos: 30

Qantara Exhibition, Paris

The Institut du Monde Arabe has an exhibition of objects in various media illustrating the two-way currents in the cultures of Christians and Moslems. Qantara means "Bridge" or "Gangway". This is the exhibition web site:http://www.qantara-med.org/qantara4/public/index.php?&lang=en It was only after our visit that we realised why we had not seen many of the exhibits on the web site: the Paris exhibition is only one of many, shown all over the world, each with only a limited number of objects. Here are a few of them from among the Coptic embroideries of the V-IX centuries and the mosaics.

Apr 21, 2009

Photos: 15

Nazareth Capitals plaster casts from the V&A Museum

These photographs were taken by Peter Hubert and provide an excellent supplement to those I took in Nazareth - too quickly and with less than ideal light & equipment. My pictures can be seen here: http://picasaweb.google.com/JuliannaLees/NazarethCapitals# They illustrate my article: http://www.green-man-of-cercles.org/articles/nazareth_capitals.pdf The casts at the V&A were probably made at the same time as those in Paris, at the Musée des Monuments Français (Palais de Chaillot) in 1937, and the notices concord with those in Paris. The experts are not in unanimous agreement about the interpretation of the subjects, their exact destination or the provenance of the sculptor (or sculptors).

Feb 26, 2009

Photos: 26

Tourtoirac Abbey

Feb 5, 2009

Photos: 19

Historical Society Outings

Feb 5, 2009

Photos: 7

Bilbao - Guggenheim & around

These photos were taken during the first weekend of January 2009 - average temperature 10° - but not as sunny as in France! We chose this weekend as the Vienna Kunsthistorisches Museum had lent a wonderful selection of paintings and art treasures for a terrific exhibition. We also very much enjoyed the Bellas Artes Gallery where we saw wonderful paintings and some sculptures from the Middle Ages to present time, including Goya's Marchesa di Santa Cruz lent by the Prado. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed in either museum.

Jan 5, 2009

Photos: 38

Paussac megalith - St Vivien

This megalith is in the commune of Paussac-et-Saint-Vivien, Perigord, about 2kms from the village of Paussac. It has been "amenagé" to provide a hearth, a basin and a shelter like a doorway cut into the rock. Maybe this has been done by quarry workers, like the "village" of Le Vieux Breuil in the commune of St Just, which is not far off. There is a fine dolmen on the way to the neighbouring village of Saint-Vivien. We found the Paussac Megalith when searching for a second dolmen which is indicated at Paussac near Taillefer, but if it exists, we did not find it.

Oct 13, 2008

Photos: 6

Vienne - Cathedral of St Maurice

Sep 27, 2008

Photos: 35

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