After having an insight into the documented prevalence of homosexuality in Renaissance Florence through my reading of the activities of the Office of the Night (Ufficiali di notte) my research revealed Michael Rocke’s 1996 book Forbidden Friendships: Homosexuality and Male Culture in Renaissance Florence. The author acknowledges that this...
Archive for year: 2021
A tale of fine art forgery!!
In light of the recent Sotherby’s sale of a magnificent Botticelli, I thought I would share with you a fascinating true story of one of the most far-reaching and elaborate cons in the history of art forgery. Provenance tells the story of John Drewe and John Myatt who between...
The Plitvice Lakes – Croatia
The harsh karst land that ripples across Central Croatia generally supports only sparse vegetation and forms a formidable natural barrier that cuts off the Northern Dalmatian coast. But in the heart of this rugged terrain, in the midst of the mountains of Mala Kapela and Plješivica, is the lush...
Welcome to my love affair with the food, wine, history and culture of the Mediterranean, past and present. Here you will find not only recipes, drinks and fabulous products, but the history of the food and culture of the Mediterranean.
My purpose is to get you to explore and experience new tastes and along the way to immerse yourself in the wonderful history of this diverse and wonderful region – from Venice to Istanbul, Rome to Dubrovnik, Athens to Crete and all places in between and in the surrounds. Be prepared to be surprised, delighted and enthralled as you take this trip with me.
Recent Posts
- Saving Caravaggio by Neil Griffiths – an interesting read!
- A Stolen Caravaggio
- An ode to play – A painting by Pieter Bruegel
- The pelican fountain that becomes a fountain of wine….
- A Donatello head of Virgil’s horse, Palazzo Carafa, Naples
- Codex Gigas or The Bible written by the Devil!!
- A lock in Milan designed by Leonardo da Vinci
- Who was the Marquis of Pombal?