Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Gold Coin

 
The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge has a wonderful collection of coins from around the world, including this cast replica of a dinner-plate-size (Sorry! Couldn't figure out any way to indicate scale.) 200-muhr gold coin from AD 1654, one of the largest coins ever made.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

John the Baptist


Saw this carved alabaster relief of Head of St John on silver salver (15th century), flanked by two angels, in The Fitzwilliam. Painted in red, brown and black and gilded. Probably made in Nottingham, and used for private devotion in a domestic setting (rather than forming part of an altarpiece).

Monday, May 26, 2025

The Fowl Market

 
"The Fowl Market" by Frans Snyders at The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

The Fitzwilliam


Spent part of the one day of vocal rest we were given on our tour visiting The Fitzwilliam Museum. Could easily have spent the better part of a week here! 

According to Wikipedia, "The Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge. It is located on Trumpington Street opposite Fitzwilliam Street in central Cambridge. It was founded in 1816 under the will of Richard FitzWilliam, 7th Viscount FitzWilliam (1745–1816), and comprises one of the best collections of antiquities and modern art in western Europe."