Twitter Web Viewer

"Death and the Maiden" is a boxwood medallion carved by Hans Schwarz in 1520. Currently on display at the Bode Museum in Berlin. The motif of "Death and the Maiden" has its origins in late medieval and Renaissance art. This theme was particularly relevant during times of plague and war, when death was a constant presence.

“A wicker man, filled with human sacrifices, waiting to be burned. The wicker man ritual was described by Julius Caesar in Book Six of The Gallic War, in which he describes the customs of the Celts of Gaul.” Aylett Sammes, 1676.

A vintage folding knife from approximately 1919. The blade features an inscription: "No One Else Has Your Part." The handle is ornately designed, depicting the figure of the Virgin Mary, crowned and holding her hands in a gesture of prayer

Statue of a Young Satyr Wearing a Theater Mask of Silenos, ca. 1st century AD. Anonymous sculptor, with 1628 restorations by Alessandro Algardi. Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The satyr and Silenos are key figures in Greek mythology, particularly in their association with Dionysian festivities, which were marked by wild celebrations and theatrical performances. Satyrs, often represented as half-human, half-goat creatures, embodied the untamed forces of nature, while Silenos, their leader, was considered wiser, albeit prone to indulgence.

Ancient and beautiful engraved amber pendants worn by hunter-gatherers some 10,000 years ago. Mesolithic period. 📷 National Museum of Denmark #Archaeology#

Lascaux Cave - the Sistine Chapel of the Paleolithic Period : Lascaux Cave is a Palaeolithic cave situated in southwestern France, near village of Montignac in Dordogne region, which houses some of most famous examples of prehistoric cave paintings... Close to 600 paintings – mostly of animals - dot the interior walls of the cave in impressive compositions. Horses are the most numerous, but deer, aurochs, ibex, bison, and even some felines can also be found. Besides these paintings, which represent most of the major images, there are also around 1400 engravings of a similar order. The art, dated to 17000-15000 BC, falls within the Upper Palaeolithic period and was created by the clearly skilled hands of humans living in the area at that time. The region seems to be a hotspot; many beautifully decorated caves have been discovered there. Exact meaning of the paintings at Lascaux or any of the other sites is still subject to discussion, but the prevailing view attaches a ritualistic or even spiritual component to them, hinting at the sophistication of their creators. Lascaux was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1979, along with other prehistoric sites in its proximity. Art at Lascaux was both painted on and engraved into the uneven walls of the cave, artists working with edges and curves of the walls to enhance their compositions. Resulting impressive displays depict mainly animals, but also a significant amount of abstract symbols, and even a human. Of the animals, horses dominate the imagery, followed by deer and aurochs, and then ibex and bison. A few carnivores, such as lions and bears, are also present. The archaeological record of the area shows that the depicted animals reflect the fauna that was known to these Palaeolithic humans. The entrance of the cave leads away from the daylight and straight into the main chamber of the cave, the Hall of the Bulls. Aptly named, this space contains mostly aurochs, a now-extinct type of large cattle. In a round dance, four large bulls tower above fleeing horses and deer, the relief of the walls serving to emphasise certain parts of the paintings. The animals are shown in side-view, but with their horns turned, giving the paintings a liveliness indicative of great skill. So far, these animals are easily identifiable, but others are less clear-cut. Seemingly pregnant horse with what looks like one horn on its head. Another mysterious figure is depicted with panther skin, a deer's tail, a bison's hump, two horns and a male member. Creative minds have suggested it may be a sorcerer or wizard, but what it really represents is hard to determine. Beyond the Hall of the Bulls lies Axial Gallery, a dead-end passage, but a spectacular one at that. It has been dubbed the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,' as its ceiling is home to several eye-catching compositions. Red aurochs stand with their heads forming a circle, while the main figures of Gallery stand opposite one another: a mighty black bull on one side, a female aurochs on the other, seemingly jumping onto some sort of lattice that has been drawn underneath her hooves. There are horses in many shapes, including one known as 'Chinese horse,' with its hooves depicted slightly to the back, demonstrating a use of perspective far ahead of its time. Towards the back of the passage, a horse gallops with its mane blowing in the wind while its companion falls over with legs in the air. Original cave was closed to public in 1963 CE, after it became clear that many visitors caused, among others, growth of algae on cave walls, dealing irreparable damage to the paintings. Despite closure, fungi have spread within cave, and efforts to control these issues and protect art are ongoing. Those looking for an alternative experience can visit Lascaux II, a replica of Great Hall of Bulls and Painted Gallery sections, which was opened in 1983 CE and is located a mere 200m from original cave. 🎥 : Credit to the Owner #archaeohistories#

The entrance to the Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops, is one of the most iconic features of this ancient structure... The Great Pyramid of Giza stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance and engineering skills of ancient Egypt. Constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BC, this magnificent structure is the largest of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Rising to an original height of nearly 147m, its construction involved the labor of thousands of workers over a span of about 20 years. Composed of an estimated 2.3 million blocks of limestone and granite, its precise alignment and complex internal passageways have intrigued historians and archaeologists for centuries. The Great Pyramid continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world, symbolizing the rich history and enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian civilization. The original entrance was located on the northern face of the pyramid, approximately 17m above the base. This entrance was designed as a narrow passage leading into the internal corridors and chambers of the pyramid. It is believed to have been carefully sealed after the pyramid's completion to protect the burial chamber and its treasures. In modern times, visitors do not use the original entrance. Instead, they access the pyramid through what is known as the Robbers' Tunnel, an alternate passageway created around 9th Century AD, during an attempt to uncover its secrets. This tunnel bypasses much of the original design and provides entry to the Grand Gallery and the King's Chamber. The original entrance and its placement were part of the precise architectural planning that has amazed historians and archaeologists for centuries. The Great Pyramid's design, including its intricate internal passages, remains a subject of wonder, symbolizing the incredible ingenuity of ancient Egyptian engineering. #archaeohistories#

Female figurine from Guerrero, Mexico, Xalitla region, crafted in the Xochipala style, dating from approximately 1500–500 BC, made of earthenware with pigment decoration. Collection & Credit: The Getty.