Marion McNealy

The heraldic flag and flag bearer of Augsburg, from the Heraldic Flags of the German Nations of the Holy Roman Empire, Frankfurt 1545. (Wapen des Heyligen Römishcen Reichs Teutscher Nation)It's been interesting to work with these images, and realize that there is such a HUGE variety in ledergollar shapes and styles, and how deep the armholes really are on these, as well as how square some of them are! This is probably the best manuscript I know of that shows so many underarm pictures, ... continue reading...

In the treasury of Schloss Ambras, there are a series of embroidered linen song books for six parts: Discantus, Contratenor I and II, Tenor, Vagans and Bassus, for the song "Martia terque quater Germania plaude / Triumphans Caesar ab Italia / Carolus ecce venit - Aurea qui terris" a song honoring Charles V, who stepped down as Emperor in 1566.The fabric is listed in the 1596 castle inventory as leinbat, a fine linen fabric. They are embroidered with couched gold cord, and black silk in cross ... continue reading...

The Notentasche, bag for the notebooks, is knitted in green and black silk, and lined with red silk cloth. The black silk in the knitted design has unfortunately disintegrated over time, causing it to unravel in places, and leaving the design very hard to see. However, on the right hand side of the bag, there are a few sections in better shape, showing a design of chains around an octogon, with figure 8s at the connections. The design is similar to one found in Domenico da Sera's ... continue reading...

The Three Sons of Duke Johann Friedrich II of Saxony, 1567 Veste Coburg, Inv.Nr. M.034Photo by Marion McNealyThis was painted after Johann Friedrich was no longer Duke of Saxony, having been put under imperial ban, imprisoned, and had his lands and possessions confiscated in 1566. His three sons seen here, with their approximate ages: Frederick Henry, age 4; John Casimir, age 3; and John Ernst, age 1 or less. This was either painted when they were at Eisenach, or in Weimar with their ... continue reading...

You’ve always wanted to go tour amazing museums and see historical sites in person instead of in photographs. But how do you plan your own customized research tour? Here are some tips and tricks from my various research trips to Europe over the years. ... continue reading...