Once and Future Things

A small English statue from ca. 1350-1450. Some people have guessed that, because of the cross on the shield, the man depicted may be Saint George. The armor on the statue is an accurate representation of armor at the time, although only men from the nobility or knightly classes would have been able to afford such high-quality armor. The British Museum website has a fantastic and detailed description of each piece of armor the statue is wearing if you'd like to find out more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe/s/statue_of_a_knight.aspx

The Fuller Brooch, from 9th century England. The brooch is the earliest known personification of the 5 senses. Sight, which was thought to be the most important of the senses, is in the center, surrounded by the other 4. Each sense can be identified by their actions. Taste has his hand in his mouth, Hearing´s hand is by his ear, Touch is rubbing his hands together, and Smell has his hands behind his back and is standing between two plants. The brooch is in such good condition that it was once though to be a fake.

An Ostrogothic belt buckle from the 6th century. This would have been worn by a woman of high status who was probably dressing in more of a Mediterranean fashion. The large central garnet is surrounded by cloisonné garnets and green glass in a mosaic pattern. I think we should bring cloisonné back in style.

A gemellion, or hand basin, from ca. 1250-1275. It's made of copper and enamel and is decorated with a knight on horseback in the center.

A stained glass panel from c. 1325, from the abbey church of Saint Ouen in Rouen, France.

An alabaster statue of a kneeling angel, from c. 1430-40. The statue was made in Burgundy and stands at only 14.5 inches high. The angel was originally part of a collection made by a group of anonymous sculptors that depicted either the Annunciation or Christ as the Man of Sorrows.

On a related note (related because the capital is from Spain!) I'm heading to Spain for a semester starting in January. I'd love any suggestions for cool Medieval things to see, whether it's a museum, an old cathedral somewhere, or some ruins. I'm planning on doing some traveling too, so let me know if there are any great places in Europe I should add to my ever-growing list of places to see. Thanks a bunch!

A folding boxwood comb from c. 1500. I think it's super cool, although I have no idea why having four folding sides would be necessary. You could brush multiple people's heads at once? Any other ideas?

Seriously, she couldn't come up with a better name for her son? If she hadn't ended up forced into a nunnery, she could have given birth to Telescope and Compass as well.