Portraits

portraits

Maria Antonia of Bavaria — Electress of many talents

Maria Antonia, Electress of Saxony, was an artistic polymath who helped re-shape elite culture in the Enlightenment age.

Catherine Ostler July 7, 2021

portraits

The moderate life of Decimus Magnus Ausonius

The Bordeaux-born teacher and scholar, Decimus Magnus Ausonius, exemplified broad-mindedness. His life offers us a glimpse into the last days of the Roman Empire and the value of t..

Bijan Omrani June 29, 2021

portraits

Nafissa Sid Cara — an ambiguous pioneer for Muslim women

All but forgotten, Sid Cara played a pioneering role in French and Algerian politics and left behind a troubled legacy.

Arthur Asseraf June 22, 2021

portraits

Anna de Noailles — a prodigious life

Socialite and literary pioneer - Anna de Noailles was a bright star in the firmament of the Parisian Belle Époque.

Agnès Poirier June 16, 2021

portraits

Guittone d’Arezzo – Dante’s forgotten muse

At a time of moral and political crisis, the medieval poet pioneered a daring and emotive vernacular style which inspired generations of Italian literature.

Alexander Lee June 9, 2021

portraits

Khorloogiin Choibalsan — Stalin of the steppe

Stalin's lieutenant oversaw communism in Mongolia, becoming – like his mentor – a ruthless cult-leader.

Sergey Radchenko June 2, 2021

portraits

Moina Mathers — High Priestess of the Belle Époque

An artist and occultist at the turn of the century, Moina Mathers’ life is a celebration of female power and radical self-expression.

Emily Herring May 28, 2021

portraits

Heinrich Biber — composer of rapture and ravings

The violinist-composer who mixed the sacred and profane in his fantastical music is a lost genius of the 17th century.

James Hardie May 19, 2021

portraits

Philippa Fawcett – wrangler extraordinaire

The first female Senior Wrangler at Cambridge University was a trailblazer for women's achievement in a nascent meritocratic society.

Adrian Wooldridge May 10, 2021