This stunning saffron satin gown dates from between 1610-1620–the fabric is Italian but the embroidery and lace are local to Saxony. It is an absolute delight of a gown, too, with all that metallic thread, lace, and texture going on. There are even sequins on this gown, tear-drop shaped (sequins have been around a lot longer than you might think) and miles of gold and silver details.
The shoulders are reminiscent of Venetian wedding styles of the time, and the whole gown is just covered in embroidered stars and scales. Truly a spectacular piece of history and a timeless treasure.
We also know who wore this: Electress Magdalena Sibylla of Saxony, the 7th great-grandmother of Queen Victoria of England.
Waaay back in 2nd grade my teacher had us write a book called “My Pet Dinosaur”, describing what we would do if we could have any dinosaur as a pet. This being the early 90s and having freshly watched Jurassic Park, I decided to skip the T rexes and sauropods, wanting something that would fit in my house and wouldn’t eat me. So, I got out my trusty 1987 “Dinosaurs!” Childcraft Annual to pick something more practical, and decided on Psittacosaurus.
^ the illustration in the 1987 book, versus this recent, much more accurate depiction by Bob Nicholls.
So, three decades later, I found the ever-talented @bookrat and their incredible paleo taxidermy art blog. I knew I wanted to commission them, so I decided to fulfill a childhood dream at the same time! I chose a model of a psittacosaurus hatchling because the 14 inch hatchling would take up far less space than a 4 foot long adult, and actually be in my budget. I asked for a green color because of the 1987 illustration above, but more accurate and less mock turtle, lol.
it came out gorgeous! I have my new “pet” here posing adorably with two of my actual-factual pets. Thank you again @bookrat for your beautiful work! I’ll have to get a collar soon to take more pics :)
