Meldemann's Map, copy in Kupferstichkabinett of Berlin, original in Vienna Museum, acquired in 1835 from a private collection. No notes on the provenance of the museum's copy. Photographs of the copy are mine. The Western concept of what a map is, and what one can or should represent, has developed and expanded as ideas of time, reality, and accuracy themselves have evolved in our cultures. The map published by Nicolaus Meldemann of the failed Siege of Vienna by the Ottoman Turks in 1529...

A Young Christ hands the Law to his Disciples, 4th c., Basilica San Lorenzo, Milan I've wondered and read about the great changes Europeans underwent when they converted (usually at the command of their rulers) to Christianity. Polytheism presented divinities for several crucial aspects of their daily lives--and deaths. A change to monotheism required adherence to one god, who could not be represented in a graven image. The Christian conversion of a town or state gave the new authorities...

The Lamb before the Elders, Revelation 5: 8-10 The Great East Window of York Minster is the largest expanse of stained glass in England,...