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Seated dog, Veracruz, Mexico, 550-950 AD

Bronze and Glass Eagle Brooches from Guadalajara, Spain dated to the 6th Century CE on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid, Spain

Twin brooches like this were often used to secure capes and tunics as well as to symbolise the wearers socioeconomic status. Such artwork was difficult and expensive to produce and the crafters were highly skilled. Sadly the crafters are often forgotten in history with the wearer given more status as they could afford to buy the art.

Eagles in art were common in the late antiquity especially with the new kingdoms and empires emerging after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. With the eagels connection to the Romans, many new states used the symbol to signify they were the successors to them.

gospels of john of opava: gospel initials

intricately decorated, full-page initial letters (F, I, I) for the gospels of luke, john, and mark, from the richly illuminated (and written entirely in gold ink) gospels of john of opava (evangeliar des johannes von troppau). manuscript produced in prague, bohemia, c. 1368

On the Banks of the Maury River

Greek statue of a dog gnawing a bone

3rd - 2nd century BCE

Mother of pearl decorated ewer, Gujarat, India, circa 1570-1620

Jade dragon ornament, China, 3rd century BC

Sunrise Swim