Latest news with #Roman

Vatican unveils final restored Raphael Room after 10-year cleaning

The Star

40 minutes ago

General
The Star

Vatican unveils final restored Raphael Room after 10-year cleaning

The Raphael Rooms were never fully closed off to the public during their long restoration, but they are now free of scaffolding for the many visitors flocking to the Vatican Museums for the 2025 Jubilee. Photo: AP The Vatican Museums on Thursday unveiled the last and most important of the restored Raphael Rooms, the spectacularly frescoed reception rooms of the Apostolic Palace that in some ways rival the Sistine Chapel as the peak of high Renaissance artistry. A decade-long project to clean and restore the largest of the four Raphael Rooms uncovered a novel mural painting technique that the superstar Renaissance painter and architect began but never completed: the use of oil paint directly on the wall, and a grid of nails embedded in the walls to hold in place the resin surface onto which he painted. Vatican Museums officials recounted the discoveries on Thursday in inaugurating the hall, known as the Room of Constantine, after the last scaffolding came down. The reception room, which was painted by Raphael and his students starting in the first quarter-century of the 1500s, is dedicated to the fourth-century Roman emperor Constantine whose embrace of Christianity helped spread the faith throughout the Roman Empire. "With this restoration, we rewrite a part of the history of art,' Vatican Museums director Barbara Jatta said. Pope Julius II summoned the young Raphael Sanzio from Florence to Rome in 1508 to decorate a new private apartment for himself in the Apostolic Palace, giving the then 25-year-old painter and architect a major commission at the height of his artistic output. Even at the time, there were reports that Raphael had wanted to decorate the rooms not with frescoes but with oil paint directly on the wall, to give the images greater brilliance. The 10-year restoration of the Rome of Constantine proved those reports correct, said Fabio Piacentini, one of the chief restorers. Vatican technicians discovered that two female figures, Justice and Courtesy and located on opposite corners of the hall, were actually oil-on-wall paintings, not frescoes in which paint is applied to wet plaster. They were therefore clearly the work of Raphael himself, he said. But Raphael died on April 6, 1520, at the age of 37, and before the hall could be completed. The rest of the paintings in the room were frescoes completed by his students who couldn't master the oil technique Raphael had used, Jatta said. During the cleaning, restorers discovered that Raphael had clearly intended to do more with oil paints: Under the plaster frescoes, they found a series of metal nails which they believed had been drilled into the wall to hold in place the natural resin surface that Raphael had intended to paint onto, Piacentini said. "From a historical and critical point of view, and also technical, it was truly a discovery,' he said. "The technique used and planned by Raphael was truly experimental for the time, and has never been found in any other mural made with oil paint.' The final part of the restoration of the room was the ceiling, painted by Tommaso Laureti and featuring a remarkable example of Renaissance perspective with his fresco of a fake tapestry "Triumph of Christianity over Paganism.' The Raphael Rooms were never fully closed off to the public during their long restoration, but they are now free of scaffolding for the many visitors flocking to the Vatican Museums for the 2025 Jubilee. - AP

CairoScene

an hour ago

Entertainment
CairoScene

The SceneStyled Bandage Dress Edit

Once an iconic dress, always an iconic dress - Hervé Léger's second-skin bandage dress is lacing itself back into the fashion bloodstream. In the mid-2000s, the bandage dress held nightlife in a chokehold. Cut from thick elastic panels and precision-engineered to sculpt the body like a Roman column, it became a cultural fixture - spotted on everyone from Beyoncé to Kim Kardashian to Cindy Crawford. But the dress didn't start in Hollywood. Before the paparazzi flashes, there was Azzedine Alaïa - the Tunisian couturier whose bodycon legacy fed directly into Léger's hands. Now, in 2025, the bandage dress is finding new footing. Less about the nightclub, more about form, fit, and recontextualisation. Labels are revisiting the silhouett, showing it in soft metallics, earthy palettes, and sculptural cuts that reference both the '90s and something more future-forward. And in the MENA region, we're are pairing the dress with acid green heels, architectural ear cuffs, archival clutches, and fragrances that smell like heat waves. Below, we break down five ways to style the reborn bandage dress - regionally sourced, editorially sharp, and still clinging on (in the best way). LOOK 5 | Resort 2026 Collection Amina Muaddi, Anok 155 Patent Leather Platform Pumps Sculptural and sky-high, these silver platforms ground the body-hugging silhouette with a bit of 2000s maximalist nostalgia. Okhtein, Soiree Clutch Crystals, chrome, and the silhouette of a vintage minaudière—Okhtein's Soiree clutch brings a glam-metal energy to the look. Martyre, Astrid Studs in Sterling Silver Minimalist with edge. These studs give structure without shouting, balancing the volume of the dress. Yacine Hamdi, Silver Eargrillz Custom-moulded with a rebellious curve, these eargrillz reframe the bandage dress as something a little less predictable. Panconesi, The Triptych Arm Cuff Like wearable sculpture—Panconesi's Triptych wraps the wrist in geometry and tension. Panconesi, Blow Up Single Cuff Silver Chunky and bulbous in all the right ways, this wrist cuff adds industrial drama. Amouage, Reflection Woman Fresh white florals with unexpected depth—a scent that lingers like silk on skin. TANYA GOWN | SS'25 Collection Dara Hamarneh, Valletta in Green Calf Hair A textured twist on minimalism. Bold in colour, rich in material, and just the right size to feel intentional. Yuniu Jewels, Vinti Rings Deconstructed and stackable, these rings bring kinetic energy to an otherwise structured silhouette. Bil Arabi, Ya Ein Earrings Bold and symbolic. An iconic Bil Arabi design that brings language and legacy into the look. Duha Bakadi, Dama Shoes in Green Lime-bright and strappy with an architectural heel. Summer on your feet. Desirs, Suntan Vanilla Sun, sand, and sugar. This is SPF and skin heat bottled into scent. REMI GOWN | SS'15 Collection Amel Batita, Red Brocot Gloves Opera-length gloves in textured red velvet—gothic, romantic, and unapologetically extra. Amr Saad, 590 Hipster in Black Angular, blacked-out frames for when you need to look unfazed at brunch. Touchless, Ruby Silk Clutch Andrea Wazen, Nora Pump 105 in Black Pointed, sharp, and laced with evening energy. A structured contrast to the softness of the dress. Ibrahim Al Qurashi, Black Diamond Carbon Smoky and smooth with a mineral edge. Think private driver, tinted windows. LOOK 15 | Fall 2025 Collection Nicoli Shoes, Enero - Silver Like disco for your feet. These reflective heels light up the clean lines of the dress. Dania Shinkar, Mila Crystal Embellished Encrusted, embellished, and structured to hold the drama. Jude Benhalim, Ember Earrings in Blue Coloured lucite in sculptural form. These drop earrings bring liquid architecture to the ears. Jude Benhalim, Essence Bracelet in Blue A bold, cuffed companion that repeats the visual rhythm of the earrings. Jude Benhalim, Vault Cuff in Silver A finishing strike of silver to layer or let stand alone. Reef, Coral Warm spice softened by sea salt. Less beachy, more mineral memory. VALERIA DRESS | SS'25 Collection Thuna, Selena Silver Sandal Silver, strappy, and barely-there. These sandals whisper instead of scream. Mesh Mesh, Sārab in Frost White Minimalism with a mirage effect. This structured white bag pulls light and shape into one. Begum Khan, Mari Earrings Bold botanical forms dipped in shine. These earrings feel ceremonial and grounded. Begum Khan, Mari Ring Stacked with symbolism, finished with a punch of sculptural drama. Begum Khan, Mega Singapore Orchid Bracelet A maximalist's dream in floral form. The bracelet doesn't blend—it commands. Gissah, Imperial Valley Dry florals and desert air. A scent that moves like wind across stone.

Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson enjoy a yacht costume party during their Greece summer getaway [See Pic]

Time of India

3 hours ago

Entertainment
Time of India

Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson enjoy a yacht costume party during their Greece summer getaway [See Pic]

Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson. Image via: magicjohnson/ Instagram NBA legend Magic Johnson is once again living his best life. In his recent post on Instagram, it was revealed that he and his wife, Cookie Johnson, have been enjoying on the sparkling waters of Greece. The 65-year-old Hall of Famer, known for his post-retirement success as a businessman and team owner, recently shared a glimpse into his luxurious summer escape. While cruising through the Ionian Islands with his wife, Cookie, and a few close friends, Johnson and his wife appeared in a costume-themed yacht party that instantly grabbed attention online. Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie Johnson, enjoy a yacht costume party during their summer getaway Magic Johnson took to Instagram to offer fans a peek into one of the more entertaining nights of his vacation. In his latest Instagram post, he shared a glimpse of a toga-themed costume party aboard a lavish yacht. 'We had a fun toga party on the yacht last night with our friends and the crew!' he captioned the post, tagging his wife, Cookie Johnson. The photo carousel featured three snapshots, starting with a portrait of the NBA icon and Cookie dressed as a Greek god and goddess. The couple stood out in their white and gold attire against the stunning sea backdrop. In the other pictures, Johnson's guests could be seen fully embracing the theme, donning togas and sandals, surrounded by crew members and laughter. For those unfamiliar, toga parties are inspired by Greco-Roman traditions, where attendees wear draped garments resembling ancient Roman clothing, often to celebrate in a spirited and theatrical fashion. The yacht party was just one highlight of Johnson's ongoing trip across Greece. He began his tour on the Ionian Islands, making stops in Corfu and Kefalonia. 'Cookie and I are enjoying our time in Greece with our friends Dave and Tonya, Tony and Vanessa, Frank and Nina Cooper, and Eula Smith. Take a look at the beautiful castle lit up at nighttime!' he shared in another Instagram post, showing both his admiration for Greek culture and the camaraderie of his travel circle. While Magic may have hung up his jersey long ago, his life has only grown more dynamic. From winning five NBA championships and earning three MVP awards with the Los Angeles Lakers to building a reported net worth of $1.5 billion. Also Read: "That's why I married your dad" — Cooper Flagg's mom Kelly Flagg makes hilarious admission about her marriage during candid chat with her son The Lakers legend and his wife share a beautiful relationship and are dubbed as one of the NBA's power couples. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

New archaeological discovery northeast of Benghazi uncovers Roman cemetery and settlement

Libya Observer

4 hours ago

General
Libya Observer

New archaeological discovery northeast of Benghazi uncovers Roman cemetery and settlement

The Libyan Antiquities Authority has announced the discovery of a significant archaeological site northeast of Benghazi, known as Haqfat Lusaeq. The site includes ancient inscriptions, a cave cemetery, and the remains of a Roman settlement. A joint team from the Benghazi and Tokra antiquities offices conducted a field visit to document and record the location. During their exploration, they found inscriptions and carvings etched into the cave walls, indicating that the cave was used as a burial site in various historical periods. Nearby, they identified remnants of a Roman settlement, including the foundations and walls of several ancient buildings. An old olive press was also found at the site, supporting evidence of agricultural and commercial activity during the Roman era. Field investigations revealed the name of the Roman settlement to be Grosin, named after a nearby valley. According to the Authority, this discovery adds valuable insight to the mapping of Roman urban distribution in eastern Libya. Tags: Libyan Antiquities Authority Archeological Sites

Me and My Travels: Hugh Wallace on childhood Ireland trips and an extraordinary balloon ride

Irish Examiner

5 hours ago

Irish Examiner

Me and My Travels: Hugh Wallace on childhood Ireland trips and an extraordinary balloon ride

Favourite childhood holiday memory As kids, we travelled a lot in Ireland, caravan holidays in Downings, Donegal, and rented a cottage outside Roundstone in Connemara. I remember going up the lane to get milk from the farmer. It was still warm; it had just come from the cow. Holidays were always sunny, or that's how I remember it. Life was simpler. No screens. Just football, picnics, and drives. We'd go with my parents, their friends, and their kids, so there was always a gang. Hard-boiled eggs with sand on the beach, salad cream sandwiches, chopped lettuce and tomatoes. Nobody knew what a barbecue was back then. Picnics were it. You just packed up the car and off you went. Most memorable trip Hot air balloon flying over Namib desert One of the most extraordinary was a balloon ride over the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. We stayed in this amazing conservation lodge and every evening all the animals — zebras, giraffes, and even lions — would walk in lines to a watering hole. None of them were hunting, just going for a drink. It was surreal. I've worked across the Middle East and Africa, and Algeria was fascinating. Architecturally, it's incredible. In the 1960s, when they got independence, it was like someone locked the place up and left everything untouched. I remember being up in a spa town in the mountains. We had to wear flak jackets and helmets because there were still snipers. We once ended up in a brothel in the middle of a cornfield in Luxor. We didn't know it was a brothel. It was hilarious. Martin and I love to explore, and we've had some wild experiences. Most surprising destination Luxor Temple, famous landmark of Egypt Egypt surprised me the most. People always talk about Irish hospitality but the Egyptians? They have nothing and yet they are so warm, so friendly, impeccably dressed, and full of fun. You'd be standing on the street wondering where you're going and someone would just help you, no problem. The food, the culture, the energy — it blew us away. We'd get a battered yellow Peugeot to town and cross the Nile on the public ferry with locals carrying chickens and vegetables. It was magic. Favourite city in the world Ancient columns in Rome Rome. I love how the Italians own their streets. They promenade every evening, even in December. You get your coffee, stop, watch people. There's a safety and a pride in how they live. I love the contrast in architecture, from Roman ruins to Mussolini's Olympic Park, which I find fascinating in its arrogance. Then, across the river, you have Zaha Hadid's museum, all flowing and modern, the complete opposite. Rome has all of that, and fabulous food and shopping too. Martin loves it. Favourite hotel Al Moudira, Luxor We stayed at Al Moudira, an amazing hotel in Luxor, on the West Bank. All the hotels are on the Nile's East Bank but I found this place: 50 rooms, run by two incredibly elegant Lebanese women. One was a jeweller. They were about 6ft 3in, so stylish, and they knew everything. That's how we saw the city as locals would. If you asked for the wine list, you got: red, white, or rosé. There were no televisions, no books, no nonsense. The guests were all a bit eccentric: artists, people writing books. The physio who did massages in the hotel also worked with the Egyptian football team. It was that kind of place. There was a 50m swimming pool surrounded by French 1930s colonial furniture. It felt like something out of a film. It was just an incredible, vivid experience. Most memorable food experience I love offal. In Algeria, you'd get heart, liver, kidneys — all cooked over street barbecues. They'd thread fat between the meat to keep it moist and flavourful. Martin hated it. I loved it. I don't think many people say offal when asked that question but it really was incredible. Favourite thing to do while travelling Safari. It's not what people expect from me but it's probably the thing I love most. We've done a few: Kruger in South Africa, Phinda, Zimbabwe, Namibia. They're all different. You do three days, get to know your ranger, and you never know what you'll see. We once woke up to an elephant drinking from our pool. Another time, we found a cheetah with her cubs, just 15m away. We saw two male elephants fighting and one even came for the Land Rover. Bucket-list trip Namba area street in Osaka, Japan Japan is top of the list. I want to go to the Expo (2025 World Expo in Osaka, Kansai, Japan) this year. I also want to go to Argentina for three months. I'd start at the bottom and work my way up. But I have to learn Spanish first. If you're going to do a place properly, you've got to speak the language.