Latest news with #nobility
Forbes
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Breastfeeding Welcome At Yale Center For British Art
Lady Mary Boyle Nursing her Son Charles, 1690 Health is rarely discussed at art museums. The Yale Center for British Art, which reopened last month, made no mention in the press for the new Tracey Emin show about her battles with alcoholism, smoking, and subsequent bladder cancer. The beautiful brutality architecture of Louis Kahn that defines the building is not discussed in tandem with his unglamorous death at the Penn Station bathroom. Rather, art is often an escape from the ugly realities of life, or perhaps a macabre study of them without reverence. Breastfeeding in art is hardly a major element of either category. Depictions of breastfeeding in Western art are usually associated with the baby Jesus and Mary, apart from others in gilded deification. Portraits of upper class women with their children are often straight and even a bit stern. But Yale Center for British Art made a bold choice with their reopening, to dedicate a full wall to the hyperrealistic portrait of Irish noblewoman Lady Mary Boyle with a child at her breast. Lady Boyle gazes bravely at the viewer, unashamed. Sir Godfrey Kneller painted Lady Mary and the infant Charles in defiance. Culturally, the gallery label explains, upper class women in Britain were discouraged from nursing their own children in the 17th century. Instead, hiring an appropriate wet nurse with both cleanliness of hygiene and character was the norm. That Lady Mary chose not only to nurse her three children, but be depicted facing the frame with sincere exhaustion, is a powerful commentary on womanhood. Historians argue that perhaps it was Boyle's mixed Irish-English origins that encouraged variant iconography of Catholicism and Protestantism in the image. Other imagery of breastfeeding at the Yale Center for British Art is namely Joseph Wright of Derby's The Dead Soldier, on view in the Long Gallery. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The far right corner of the Long gallery features a dramatic scene with a nursing woman, all but ... More obfuscated by the surrounding scenes. In a contemporary context, intense pressure on breastfeeding in the United States is coupled with equal cultural pressure to avoid breastfeeding in public. American pediatricians count the number of ounces of milk and feeds per day, discourage night feedings and push to wean mainly to infant formula by the first birthday, even as the World Health Organization recommends two years or beyond. La Leche League, in contrast, is adamantly pro-breastfeeding. Everything from mood regulation, antibodies, and even dental care is attributed to the practice, with some women often eluding cultural norms to maintain nursing well past age four. Perhaps Mary Boyle would be one of those women today. As this 17th century work suggests, women's and infant health are ever-evolving realms. Infant mortality is still at nearly nine percent in Mississippi, for instance, believed to be linked to a variety of factors such as birth defects and maternal health complications. The museum does not use this work as a discussion point per se, but welcomes children and mothers to the space with its hanging. For all the treasures on campus, this one reminds us of the artwork most priceless: life itself.
Forbes
29-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Meet The Biggest Falcon In The World. Hint: It Lives On 3 Different Continents But Never Goes South Of The Equator
Falcons are a class of birds best known for their speed, vision and hunting prowess. Here's the ... More story of perhaps the most impressive falcon of all. There are over 35 recognized species of falcons, all thrilling in their own right. The one that stands out above the rest, at least in terms of size, is the gyrfalcon. The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is a majestic bird native to the Arctic regions of North America, Europe and Asia. Its wingspan reaches up to 60+ inches. Females, which are the bigger of the sexes, can weigh over four and a half pounds. Gyrfalcons are highly variable in color, ranging from almost pure white to dark slate-gray or black, with paler birds more common in Greenland and darker morphs more typical of Eurasia. Gyrfalcons specialize in hunting other birds like ptarmigan and ducks. They use speed and pursuit tactics more than surprise swoops. Revered throughout history – especially in medieval falconry, where they were reserved for use by kings and noblemen – the gyrfalcon is a symbol of strength, beauty and class. Here are three ways the gryfalcon has made, and continues to make, its mark on history and the ecological landscape. 1. A Living Legend Of Falconry A falconer with a gyrfalcon, the world's largest falcon and a species historically reserved for ... More kings and nobility. Few birds carry the cultural weight of the gyrfalcon. During the Middle Ages, these rare Arctic raptors were considered the ultimate status symbol among European and Middle Eastern nobility. Kings of Norway and Denmark offered gyrfalcons as tribute or diplomatic gifts to other monarchs. For example, here's how the gyrfalcon is described by scientists William Burnham and William Mattox in a 1984 study: 'For over 900 years, from the period of Viking supremacy in Europe, the great 'White Falcon' of Greenland has been sought after and admired. The white Greenland falcon or gyrfalcon became known as the King's Ransom or Emperor's bird in falconry, with inestimable value placed on it.' The birds were so highly prized that entire economies in Greenland and Iceland were once shaped by the capture and trade of gyrfalcons for royal falconry. Because of their limited range and difficult capture, owning a gyrfalcon was more than just a sport. It was a demonstration of immense wealth and international influence. Even today, falconers in the Middle East still regard the gyrfalcon as the most prestigious bird, often breeding them selectively for sport and tradition. 2. A Hunter Built For The Arctic A gyrfalcon grips a freshly caught duck, highlighting its strength and skill as a high-speed Arctic ... More hunter. The gyrfalcon's physiology is perfectly adapted for life in the cold, wide-open spaces of the far north. Unlike many other raptors that rely on sudden ambush attacks, the gyrfalcon excels at long chases across tundra and icy terrain, often locking onto prey and keeping pursuit until the target is exhausted. Its powerful wings are shorter and broader compared to other falcons, giving it power and maneuverability at lower altitudes. They've also been recorded reaching dive speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. This allows it to take down surprisingly large prey, like the Rock Ptarmigan, which can weigh nearly half the falcon's own body weight. In regions where food is scarce, gyrfalcons have even been known to cache prey, hiding kills under snow or rocks to eat later. Their presence at the top of the Arctic food web makes them important ecological indicators: healthy gyrfalcon populations often reflect a well-balanced ecosystem. While gyrfalcons are often seen as land-based hunters, satellite tracking has revealed that their foraging behavior during the non-breeding season can be far more dynamic and wide-ranging than previously assumed. Some individuals spend weeks at sea during winter, resting on icebergs and preying on seabirds along the ice edge – an astonishing adaptation for a bird historically associated with tundra and cliffs. One juvenile female was recorded spending over 40 consecutive days over open ocean, far from land. These findings highlight the gyrfalcon's versatility as a predator and its reliance on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems to survive the harsh Arctic year-round. 3. Modern Conservation And A Shifting Climate Gyrfalcon populations face growing pressure from climate change, habitat loss, and shifting prey ... More availability across the Arctic. Despite their remote habitat, gyrfalcons are not immune to the pressures of a changing world. Though not currently endangered, their Arctic homes are warming rapidly due to climate change, which threatens both their hunting grounds and their preferred prey. Changes in snow cover, vegetation, and prey populations – particularly ptarmigan – can ripple through the food chain and affect gyrfalcon breeding success. Additionally, as human activity expands into the north, disturbances to traditional nesting cliffs and foraging areas are becoming more frequent. Conservationists now rely on satellite tracking, helicopter surveys, and remote cameras to monitor gyrfalcon populations, migration routes and breeding success with unprecedented detail. These efforts aim to ensure that this apex arctic predator remains a thriving part of northern ecosystems. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet, perhaps even a pet bird? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
King of Spain makes Rafael Nadal a marquess... a prestigious title that will also be passed down to the tennis star's two-year-old son
Spain 's King has made tennis star Rafael Nadal a marquess as he bestowed the first noble titles of his reign on Thursday. The former Spanish number one's new title as the 1st Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca will eventually be passed down to his two-year-old son Rafael Jr. Nadal, 39, was joined by swimmer Teresa Perales and singer Luz Casal who also received titles from King Felipe VI. He has won 22 Grand Slam singles tennis titles and was granted the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports in 2008. 'Their respective careers are exponents of excellence, whether in the service of the Crown or in the field of thought, culture, science, arts and sport,' the royal household said. Only one of the six new titles holds the distinction of grandee - the highest rank. It was bestowed upon Jaime Alfonsín, who was King Felipe's right- hand man for nearly 30 years. Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales was give the hereditary title of Marchioness of Perales, which will be passed down to her only son Mariano Menor Jr. The ceremony came as celebrations were wrapping up to mark 10 years since Felipe took the throne. No other Spanish kings have ever taken as long as Felipe VI to grant titles of nobility. His father, Juan Carlos, granted 55 noble titles, with the first going to dictator Francisco Franco's widow Carmen Polo, who became Duchess of Franco and Lady of Meirás, Grandee of Spain. That title and four others were revoked by the government as part of a law to remove symbols of the dictatorship. Vicente del Bosque was also made a marquis by Juan Carlos after he led Spain to victory in the 2010 World Cup. Until now, King Felipe had only confirmed the succession of more than 2,600 existing titles. He also revoked his sister Infanta Cristina's title of the Duchy of Palma just a week before his first anniversary as head of state. It was part of his efforts to restore the Crown's reputation and distance it from corruption scandals after Cristina was accused of being an accessory to tax fraud committed by her husband.
.jpeg%3Ftrim%3D181%2C0%2C1440%2C8%26width%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
18-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Surprise grave find reveals secrets of Viking king
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered over 30 Viking -era graves near Aarhus, including the coffin of an important 10th-century woman. The burial site was found after construction work uncovered artefacts like pearls, coins, and ceramics, indicating gifts in Viking graves. Grave findings, including a box with pearls, suggest a connection to the Danish monarchy and high-status individuals, possibly related to a nearby nobleman's farm. The discoveries indicate that the Danish town was a seat of power in the 900s during the reign of Viking king Harald Bluetooth. A magnificent wooden coffin, likely belonging to an important woman, contained items like scissors, a silver bead, and gold thread, suggesting she may have been one of Harald Bluetooth's earls or stewards.
The Guardian
17-06-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Viking age burial site full of ancient objects found in Denmark, say experts
A 10th-century burial site believed to have belonged to a Viking noble family has been discovered in northern Denmark, packed with a 'spectacular' trove of ancient objects, a museum has said. The discovery came almost by chance, when pearls, coins, ceramics and a box containing a gold thread were unearthed during construction work near Lisbjerg, a village located 4 miles (7km) north of Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city. Archaeologists found the site also contained around 30 graves dating from the second half of the 10th century, when the famous King Harald Bluetooth reigned, said the Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus. According to the museum's archaeologist Mads Ravn, the graves are most likely linked to a noble family from the Viking age whose farm was discovered less than a kilometre from the burial site in the late 1980s. 'This could have been one of Harald Bluetooth's earls or stewards,' Ravn said on Tuesday. Ravn noted that the king, who introduced Christianity to what is today Denmark, tasked nobles with managing certain regions. Researchers also discovered some human remains, such as teeth and bones, at the site. 'People basically took what was important to them into the grave because they wanted to transfer it to the other world,' the archaeologist said. One of the graves, which scientists believe belonged to an important woman, contained a box filled with decorative objects and a pair of scissors. The 'magnificent' box is a remarkable find, according to Ravn, with only a few having been discovered before, including one in south-eastern Germany. 'It's very rare. There's only three of them we know of,' he said. Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion The excavations at Lisbjerg are due to be completed this week, after which experts will begin a thorough analysis of the objects recovered. Wooden objects in particular should help them accurately date the burial site. As a royal and commercial centre, Aarhus was one of Denmark's most important cities during the Viking age between the eighth and 11th centuries.
