History

  FRAGMENT OF SICILIAN SILK CLOTH DATING TO THE XIII CENTURY – KESTNER-MUSEUM, HANNOVER    This fragment of blue and gold silk cloth bearing a circular design whereon one may glimpse part of two lions facing each other is a precious testament to the activities of the royal workshop inPalermo; …

  MILITIA ON HORSEBACK – DETAIL OF CAPITAL DATING BACK TO 1171 – CITY MUSEUM, PAVIA  The spire helmets do not suit the militia on horseback armed with lances and protected by chain mail.

  WARRIORS – DETAIL FROM THE BAS-RELIEF OF PORTA ROMANA – YEAR 1171 – CITY MUSEUM, MILAN   The humble citizens of free cities can now hold their own against the imperial militia, because their longing for independence is garrisoned by their militia. Even humble citizens wear full armor: earthenware …

  SHEPHERD – DETAIL FROM AN APSIDAL MOSAIC DATING BACK TO THE XIII CENTURY – CHURCHN OR SAINT CLEMENT, ROME  The garment complemented by the cape of the hood, which is thrown back leaving the head uncovered, the striped, two–tone coveralls and the closed footwear ascertain the shepherd’s financial condition; …

  BENEDETTO ANTELAMI – MONTH OF JUNE – HIGH-RELIEF DATING TO THE LATE XIII CENTURY – BATTISTERO, PARMA   The short tunic with sleeves and a belt cinching the waist is a generic characteristic of manual laborers; during the hot months, the farmers went barefoot, however, the hairstyle of this …