Tag: Marco Polo

Artists of Northern Europe, Illuminated manuscripts, Renaissance, The Hapsburgs

Of Parrots, kings and other things!

Melanie V Taylor

Parrots emerged as symbols of status in Europe after Alexander the Great brought them from India. Initially viewed as divine for their speech, their trade was primarily controlled by Arab merchants. Subsequent explorations expanded knowledge of various parrot species, including those from the New World, which became prized possessions among the elite.

Conferences and Symposia

Harlaxton Zoomposium : 26th – 30 July 2021

Melanie V Taylor

I am delighted to report that the Harlaxton website for this year's meeting is now up and running. https://harlaxton.org.uk/zoomposium2021/ This year's theme is travel. Unlike previous years when we have met in person at Harlaxton Manor, this year, due to Covid, the annual meeting will take the form of a Zoomposium, thus enabling so many… Continue reading Harlaxton Zoomposium : 26th – 30 July 2021

Flemish primitives, Illuminated manuscripts, Illumination of legal documents, study days, Subjects for discussion, Symbols and emblems

Study Day – Hidden in Plain Sight. 7th December, 2019. West House, Pinner, London.

Melanie V Taylor

Some years ago my curiosity was piqued by an Indian ring-necked parakeet in an early 15th century Flemish altarpiece,  Detail of the Madonna and Canon van der Paele (1434): Jan van Eyck (c1390-1441): Groeninge Museum, Bruges and an Australian sulphur crested cockatoo in one of 1496 painted for the Dukes of Mantua in Italy.  This altarpiece was… Continue reading Study Day – Hidden in Plain Sight. 7th December, 2019. West House, Pinner, London.