#European nobility

[diemelusine]

Portrait of Charles II, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Styria (c. 1608) by Bartolomé González y Serrano. Museo Nacional del Prado.

[artthatgivesmefeelings]

Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (French, 1755-1842) Marie Gabrielle de Gramont, duchesse de Caderousse, 1784 Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Madame la Comtesse was the daughter of the Marquis de Sinety and was betrothed to her husband, who was the eldest son of the Marquis de Vachères, in 1779 in a ceremony that took place at Versailles and was witnessed by several members of the royal family. Marie Gabrielle was formally presented at court after her wedding that summer and swiftly became one of Marie Antoinette’s closest friends. She escaped the revolution and became Duchesse de Caderousse when her husband inherited the title in June 1800. Although women of the Comtesse’s class usually wore their hair powdered, Vigée Le Brun persuaded her to be painted with her hair in its natural state, which caused a furore when she went to the theatre straight after one of her sittings. ‘I could not stand powdered hair,’ the artist later recalled in her memoirs. ‘I persuaded the beautiful Duchesse de Grammont-Caderousse not to use any for her portrait. Her hair was ebony black… arranged in irregular curls. After the sitting, which finished at the time of the midday meal, the Duchesse left her hair as it was and went to the theatre as she was. Such a lovely woman had to set the fashion, which gradually caught on and became widespread.’ -Madame Guillotine

[royalty-nobility]

Anne of Denmark, 1574–1619

Artist: John de Critz (Flemish, 1551–1642)

Date: circa 1605

Medium: Oil on Panel

Collection: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, England

Anne of Denmark

Anne of Denmark (Danish: Anna; 12 December 1574 – 2 March 1619) was the wife of King James VI and I. She was Queen of Scotland from their marriage on 20 August 1589 and Queen of England and Ireland from the union of the Scottish and English crowns on 24 March 1603 until her death in 1619.

The second daughter of King Frederick II of Denmark and Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow, Anne married James at age 14. They had three children who survived infancy: Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, who predeceased his parents; Princess Elizabeth, who became Queen of Bohemia; and James's future successor, Charles I. Anne demonstrated an independent streak and a willingness to use factional Scottish politics in her conflicts with James over the custody of Prince Henry and his treatment of her friend Beatrix Ruthven. Anne appears to have loved James at first, but the couple gradually drifted and eventually lived apart, though mutual respect and a degree of affection survived.

In England, Anne shifted her energies from factional politics to patronage of the arts and constructed her own magnificent court, hosting one of the richest cultural salons in Europe. After 1612, she had sustained bouts of ill health and gradually withdrew from the centre of court life. Though she was reported to have been a Protestant at the time of her death, she may have converted to Catholicism at some point in her life.

Some historians have dismissed Anne as a lightweight queen, frivolous and self-indulgent. However, 18th-century writers including Thomas Birch and William Guthrie considered her a woman of "boundless intrigue". Recent reappraisals acknowledge Anne's assertive independence and, in particular, her dynamic significance as a patron of the arts during the Jacobean age.

[trendynewsnow]

The Transformation of Princess Gloria: From Fashion Icon to Conservative Advocate

The Late Arrival of Princess Gloria The princess found herself running late for Mass. Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, a figure of both elegance and intrigue, quickly donned a long, dark coat over her luxurious silk scarf and a stunning necklace of pearls before hurrying through the ancient halls of her 500-room palace, which is part of a historic monastery. Outside, the chilly autumn night…

[qdkdraws]

They discuss government affairs.

[illustratus]

Heraldic Chivalry by Alphonse Mucha

[blackbrownfamily]

[occvltswim]

❝Sultane Noire (1748)❞ — Joseph-Marie Vien (French, 1716–1809)

[alpaca-clouds]

What are Minstrels, Jesters and Bards?

Keeping it up with me rambling about the middle ages and fantasy, let me talk about one of the things that seems to confuse a lot of people - especially because most fantasy media just kinda mixes this one up. The difference between Minstrels, Jesters and Bard. Given that all the words are so often used interchangably. But, indeed, there is a big difference, if we look at it from a historical perspective.

The very, very basic differentiation is like this:

A Bard was a Celtic song writer and storyteller

A Minstrel was a medieval travelling singer, poet, acrobat and storyteller

A Jester was a medieval singer, poet, acrobat and storyteller working at a cort. In the late medieval time they were more acrobats and people telling jokes though.

Also there is Troubadoures, who were mostly singers and storytellers at the courts.

Let me talk a bit about the different groups in detail, though.

Bards

Bard as a word comes specifically from the Gaelic word for "poet", which basically tells us most about them. as with so many things concerning the celts, the early history of them is not very well known. We do know, though, that they played a certain role within the Gaelic and Welsh societies both in keeping the oral history of the societies alive, as well as celebrating chiefs and warriors with their songs. Other than other aspects of Celtic societies, the bards did remain for a long while into the medieval period, though how the societies treated them did vary a lot by region.

While in some areas due to their connection to the Celtic (and hence indigenous) religion and culture, they were seen as "second class poets" in some areas - especially in Ireland - with the true poets being connected to the church.

Never the less: Whatever we still know about the Celtic mythology of the British isles is all only known thanks to bards. Because bards kept those oral traditions alive at times till the late and post-medieval period, allowing them to be written down.

Mistrels

Minstrels developed a lot in what their role was. In the early medieval period they were often still bound to courts of kings and lords, where they would perform a wide variety of things. Songs, poems, theatre, acrobatics and dance being most among them. But in the high medieval period it became more and more common that the courts would employ jesters and troubardores, who were more specialized. With those a lot of minstrels became travellers. They would travel the lands and always remain in cities and villages for a while, collect stories, perform their arts and then move on. As such they helped to spread stories throughout the lands - though people could not always be sure whether the stories they told and sang were true or not.

Minstrels often had close networks among each other, though. Exchanging stories and songs they had written and collected. As such they often had a very wide repatoir that they could share with the people.

It should be noted that while there were people like this throughout the entire medieval world, minstrels as we would call them were most common in Medieval France and England, with some also being around in Germany (that is the Holy Roman Empire). Travelling singers and songwriters in the rest of Europe had a bit of a different background, often being closer to the celtic bards.

And yes, minstrels are very much the closest thing here to what bards in DnD are displayed as.

Jesters

Among those noted here, jesters are probably the one occupation people have the best idea of, given that they are fairly big in even modern popculture - even outside of fantasy. I mean, in your standard deck of cards the "Joker" usually is portrayed as a jester.

Jesters were fairly interesting. While they also would at times do poetry and songs, they often were more acrobats, joksters and magicians, who most of the time were bound to the court of a lord, duke or king. In these positions they did however often serve a very important role, as they were allowed to hold a mirror to whoever they served and give them the truth. Basically: They were allowed most of the time to criticize even kings. (Which does not mean that they always got away with it - but usually they got away with way more than most people.) As such a common idea of a jester was, that they were supposed to be wise and also act as a sort of advisor to whomever they served.

Interestingly enough there is a lot of historical evidence that often enough this specific roll was filled by disabled and disfigured people, who could not work in other rolls. Which in hindsight is interesting especially because it gave some disabled people a very important role within the society.

Troubadours

Finally we have the troubadours, who were most of all singers and poets working at the courts. Their art was seen as more "high class" than the work of the normal minstrels. They often would entertain nobility during their feasts and on festivals and celebrations. While they were not the same as jesters, they often were however allowed to parody and do satire of the lords, with that also reflecting on their actions.

So, yeah. There is a difference between these words. While there definitely were bards that served as troubadours, and troubadours who ended up becoming minstrels... It was a bit of a difference between those roles.

The fact that the bards were so tied to celtic cultures is especially a fact that so often gets overlooked.

So, there you have it. xD Maybe some food for thoughts for my dear fellow bard players.

[isabelle-primrose]

The Ladies Waldegrave by Joshua Reynolds, 1780

[diemelusine]

Portrait of Charles II, Archduke of Austria (1569) by unknown author. Kunsthistorisches Museum.

[artthatgivesmefeelings]

Marcel Verdier (French, 1817–1856) Mary Matthews, Madame Julien-Francois-Bertrand de La Chere (1824-1890), 1843 National Trust, Sizergh Castle

[royalty-nobility]

Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany

Artist: Bronzino (Italian, 1503–1572)

Description

Francesco de Medici (1541-87); Grand Duke of Tuscany; son of Cosimo I de Medici (see 401270); holding a portrait medallion of a lady.

[throughpatchesofviolet]

Also, I'm going to change Sherry's weapon ... originally, she just used her fists, but I was double checking some things while typing up my last post, and realized that Sherlock often carries a cane with him, and, after a bit of thinking, I've decided that suits Sherry better than simply using her bare hands (and also this makes her a bit more unique, since Meursault is the Sinner known for punching things).

It works a lot better with my concept for her E.G.O, as well, because the cane itself could be a Blunt weapon, she could have a sword hidden in it for Slash attacks, and then the handle of the cane/sword could detach and be used as a pistol for Pierce damage! I'm thinking it's probably a weapon she commissioned from a Workshop ... and it could have her "keyword" engraved on the shaft.

[moonythejedi394]

snippet of ch6 of my warlord/prince fic

Steve purrs and nuzzles into Bucky’s neck, seeking out his scent gland. Bucky tips his chin up to let him. Post-coital, Steve is drowsy.

“Nap, darling,” Bucky encourages. “I’ll wake you up in about an hour for the games.”

Steve nods and yawns. He snuggles closer to Bucky’s neck, but shivers a little. Bucky grabs a fur blanket and pulls it up, covering them. Steve sighs happily.

“Thank you, Daddy,” he mumbles.

“Of course, sweetheart.”

Steve dozes, content with the scent of his Alpha in his nose. Vaguely, he’s aware of Bucky slipping his cock from him at some point, after his knot released. Steve just presses closer, hands tucked between their bodies. 

Then, sometime after Bucky pulled out, Steve wakes to Bucky’s soft, deep voice.

“Time to get up, little one. We have games to attend.”

Steve yawns and nuzzles into Bucky’s scent gland. Bucky kisses the top of his head.

“You’ll enjoy watching,” he promises. “I’ll be in each fight.”

“Won’t get hurt, will you?” Steve asks.

“If I do, it’s the will of the gods.”

Steve scowls at that. He pushes up and catches Bucky in a kiss.

“If you get hurt, I’ll beat you,” he whispers boldly.

Bucky laughs, throwing his head back. Steve takes the opportunity to bite none-too-gently at his scent gland. Bucky laughs again and rolls them over to put Steve on his back, then kisses him soundly.

“Feisty little one, aren’t you?” Bucky purrs. “I swear, darling, I won’t get hurt. It’s bad luck, after all.”

Steve is satisfied by that. Bucky pushes up and pulls him into a sitting position, then lifts him off the bed. He puts Steve back on his feet, then picks up the discarded shift.

“Arms up,” he says.

Steve lifts his arms and Bucky pulls the shift onto him. Bucky then picks up the robe, unbuttons it the rest of the way, and helps him into it. Steve steps back into his slippers and Bucky puts back on his shirt and boots. Bucky guides him into the sitting room, and then out. They return to the first floor, then go through the grand front doors outside.

An arena has been set up in the courtyard. Spectators are already gathered, but the arena is empty. Bucky walks with Steve over to a tent, enters it with him, and they find Thor and Brunhilde waiting, wearing armor. 

“How was it?” Brunhilde asks with a grin.

“Oh, he’s a dream,” Bucky answers, swinging his arm over Steve’s shoulders. “Better than anyone I’ve ever fucked, and he has zero experience, even.”

Steve blushes. Thor and Brunhilde laugh.

“It’s the virginity,” Steve mutters under his breath.

Bucky, Thor, and Brunhilde still hear him and they all laugh again. Bucky yanks Steve against his side and kisses his braids.

Natasha then enters, her face painted with red warpaint and wearing armor, but no sleeves. Her armor is also decorated with teeth, but no human bones. 

“Looking forward to trying to cut you,” she says to Bucky. “But I’ve heard even demi-gods don’t bleed.”

“We don’t,” Bucky says with a feral grin.

Natasha snorts. Bucky crosses to a trunk and opens it, then, strangely, rips his shirt off. He dons the same sort of armor as the day before though without his shirt, and with a different vest that has less coverage; straps connecting metal-reinforced leather over heart, belly, and low back but exposing skin elsewhear. Steve is once again disconcerted by the jawbones that look very human. Bucky paints his face with black stripes and ties back his hair with a leather cord. He then reaches out for Steve and Steve immediately goes to him. Bucky grabs him by the waist and kisses him thoroughly. Steve forgets anyone else is in the tent and he whimpers, standing on his toes to press his clothed prick against Bucky’s tasset.

“He really is easy,” Natasha quips.

Steve jerks back and blushes, but Bucky laughs. He steps back and picks up a massive sword, made of black metal and sheathed in leather decorated with more animal teeth or claws, and gold. He straps it to his back, then picks up a helm made out of iron and a large, vicious looking skull, which he puts on. His eyes show through the empty sockets of the skull and the upper jaw frames his cheekbones. Bucky pauses, grabs Steve by the jaw, and roughly wipes his mouth with his thumb. It comes away black. Steve touches his lips.

“Good enough,” Bucky says. “Let’s go.”

They all exit the tent. The spectators see Bucky and cheer. Bucky raises a fist in triumph to them, then guides Steve to where his parents are standing, looking sour again.

“Spend a little quality time with your son,” Bucky says. “But not too much. I don’t want him distracted from the ring.”

Neither Sarah nor Joseph say anything. Bucky catches Steve’s waist and kisses him sharply but briefly, leaving more black on his mouth. He then turns and strides up to the arena, hopping the fence marking it. The spectators cheer louder. Bucky throws up both fists and circles the arena predatorily. He stops in the center, then throws his head back and howls like a wolf. The spectators fall silent.

“Let any who wish to challenge me cross the fence!” Bucky shouts. “By our laws, it is tradition I be put to the test before my mate before I wed him! Make it a good one, folks!”

The cheering starts up again. Immediately, Natasha jumps into the ring, drawing two short swords.

Bucky draws his greatsword, then the two begin to circle each other. The cheering doesn’t stop. Natasha and Bucky seem to be exchanging words, but they are not audible.

Suddenly, Joseph grabs Steve by the arm and hauls him close. Steve yelps and is startled, but Joseph slaps a hand over his mouth.

“Silence!” he hisses in Steve’s ear. “There is one thing left you are good for –”

He shoves a sheathed scian at Steve. Steve fumbles with it.

“Hide it,” Joseph growls in a command.

Steve finds himself obeying. He shoves it into his stockings and straightens up.

“Tonight,” Joseph continues to command, “you will rid us of this pagan usurper. Slit his throat and we will absolve your sins.”

Steve gasps.

“Silence!” Joseph commands. “You will not speak of this. You will do your duty by your people. When Barnes is dead, we can drive out his armies.”

Steve is distracted by Natasha charging on Bucky. Their swords collide and it rings in the air. 

“Do I make myself clear?” Joseph demands.

Steve just nods. He doesn’t know what to do.

Abruptly, he hears Bucky laughing. Natasha ducks under his sword and slashes at his legs, but Bucky jumps out of the way. Steve finds himself shaking. Joseph shoves him away again. Steve glances at Sarah, but she won’t look at him.

“But…” Steve whispers. “Isn’t – isn’t murder a sin?”

“You are already a sinner!” Joseph snarls. “You may find forgiveness after you do this. I will bite you so you do not suffer bondsickness. Then you will be sent away. Your mother will have another child.”

Steve looks at his mother again. She makes no expression. She’d only ever had one litter because it had nearly killed her and out of the the three pups she’d born, two were stillborn. He knows she’s refused to have another litter every time Joseph asked her to, which only worked because their personal physician recommended she didn’t try another litter. He can’t believe she’s caved to this.

“Speak no more,” Joseph demands. “Watch your… your Alpha,” he spits out.

Steve turns, shuffling. Bucky brings his sword down on Natasha and she catches it with both of hers, forming an X. Bucky then kicks her between the legs, but she darts back. Bucky charges on her and she ducks, circling around so Bucky puts his back to Steve. Steve, even from a distance, can see sweat dripping between Bucky’s bare shoulder blades. The two cross blades once more, then Bucky throws Natasha off and she stumbles. Bucky swings his sword and the tip catches her on the cheek. Blood immediately forms along the cut. She draws back, at once sheathing her swords.

The crowd cheers tenfold.

“FIRST BLOOD HAS BEEN DRAWN!” Bucky calls above the din, raising his fist to the air.

Natasha exits the ring. She’s followed by Brunhilde.

Steve shakes the rest of the morning. Bucky fights Thor, then Loki in trousers instead of his – their dress, then Rhodey, then even Wanda, and after her, a handful of warriors Steve doesn’t know the names of. Bucky wins each and every match, though Steve can tell his opponents are truly attempting to draw blood with how viciously they attack. The dagger under his robes is a heavy weight. Steve doesn’t know what to do.

The sun is high in the sky as Bucky jumps the fence again. He walks in a straight line to Steve and, still upset by the scian in his stocking, he lifts his hands for comfort. Bucky takes him by the waist, then lifts him and tucks him against his chest.

“To lunch,” Bucky says, a bit out of breath. “I’ve worked up an appetite.”

Steve nods. Bucky begins to walk again and Joseph and Sarah fall into step behind him. The captains including Domino  and chiefs and their partners then follow, and after them, the crowd of spectators. Servants open the front doors and Bucky strides through them. They go to the great hall and many people are already waiting. Bucky walks up to the high table, crosses behind it, then takes the center seat. Joseph sits at his left and Sarah beside him. There are nine seats, and beside Sarah sit Bruce and a woman Steve doesn’t know. On Bucky’s right, Natasha sits with Clint in her lap and Wanda, Darcy, and Jane at their right. Bucky pulls Steve across his lap and waves a hand. Servants stride up with food, then they serve it, holding each dish and putting food on their plates before going to the right to serve the next plate.

Bucky puts his hand on Steve’s leg and it lands on the knife.

“What’s this?” Bucky says, flipping Steve’s robe up. “Now, I didn’t give this to you, pet, where did you get it?”

Steve sucks in a breath. Joseph is staring straight ahead. Joseph had commanded him to tell no one, so he cannot speak. But Bucky’s word is his law. He feels compelled to answer.

[illustratus]

Awaiting his return by William Henry Margetson