Warhorses

Rare tribute, World War I.
Photo by Mark Raen

Millions of horses and mules died in Wordl War I.Steven Spielberg made a movie about the fate of the animals.You can find information about the real story behind this here. To make this photo must have taken lots and lots of preparation. Literally hundreds of men participated in the project. Look through your eyelashes at… Continue reading Warhorses

Aristocratic cowardice, betrayal and opportunism

Photo by author. 2013.

Since I took the photo above and below almost 10 years ago as part of my preparations at Malta for writing my faction novel, I’ve learned a lot more about the topics mentioned in the title.At that time I had not yet heard of the horrible organized betrayal and global lust for power of the… Continue reading Aristocratic cowardice, betrayal and opportunism

Saint Paul and his non-violent sword

Side door of the Basilica of Saint Paul in Rome

In May 2018 my brother and I visited Rome. One of the reasons was to collect photos and inspiring information that I could use for a possible sequel to my (Dutch) faction novel “Alexandra’s Journey”. And, believe it or not, we discovered this basilica by accident! We didn’t even know of its existence. When you… Continue reading Saint Paul and his non-violent sword

Conquering ‘Africa’ early 16th century?

Painting by Gaspar de Crayer: Charles V conquers ‘Africa’

One of Winston Churchill’s most inspiring quotes is ‘Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft ‘ [1]. Paintings can aid in the study of history too. At least if you do not just superficially look at the image! De Crayer was a court painter to the governors of what is… Continue reading Conquering ‘Africa’ early 16th century?

Malta, mohammedans and Jesuits

Detail of exterior of the ‘Church of Gesú‘ in Rome

Nowadays, when one refers, via text or photos, to this church, whose interior is extraordinarily richly decorated, attention is rarely, if ever, paid to this remarkable decoration on the outside.There is no misunderstanding about what is depicted here: a Catholic dignitary steps on a moor: a man with a bare upper body, but with a… Continue reading Malta, mohammedans and Jesuits