Nude on the Acropolis


In 1927, photos stirred up a storm of controversy on the part of historians and archaeologists in Athens. The Greek photographer Elli Souyoultzoglou-Seraidari or Nelly (1899-1998) photographed the nude dancer Mona Palva on the Acropolis. Although the Acropolis had been the subject of (civil) war, plunder, neglect and other blasphemy for many centuries. The Acropolis … Read more » “Nude on the Acropolis”

The Americans in Florence: thank you forever


American Cemetery and Memorial Florence. Photo: www.abmc.gov

The current exhibition ‘Americans in Florence’ in the Strozzi Palace in Florence covers the last decades of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth century. Many American artists travelled to Europe after the civil war (1860-1864). They took up residences in France, Holland, Germany, Spain and other countries which were considered crucial … Read more » “The Americans in Florence: thank you forever”

The Weimar Experiment in Global Perspective


Christian Schad (1894-1982). Sonja, 1928. The Leopold Museum in Vienna exhibits his works at the moment. Christian Schad Stiftung, Aschaffenburg.

The age of globalization confuses many and inspires some to reject the change of history. Globalization, however, is as old as the first civilizations. The scale, rapidity and impact may differ, but the principle remains the same. Ideas, goods and persons are on the move and change cultures, societies and people. The twentieth century, in … Read more » “The Weimar Experiment in Global Perspective”

The Orange Dynasty in Breda


During the first half of the sixteenth century the Great Church in Breda, The Netherlands, had its heyday. Count Hendrik III of Nassau (1483-1538), Lord of Breda, held a leading position at the court of emperor Charles V. Hendrik’s son, Rene of Chalon (1519-1544), Prince of Orange and Lord of Breda, died too young to … Read more » “The Orange Dynasty in Breda”

Timber rafts on the Rhine


For centuries, timber rafts have been the most remarkable, but forgotten, means of transport on the Rhine. In the sixteenth century, this transport started slowly after it was decided in the Dutch province Holland that cities could only be built with stones. The demand for (long) piles to strengthen the fundaments of the houses in … Read more » “Timber rafts on the Rhine”