Images

The Tang Dynasty (618–907) was one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Chinese history. During the reign of Emperor Gaozong (reign 649–683), Tang rule reached...

An English Grace cup (aka Welford cup or 'font cup'), a cup passed around the table after grace was said before a meal. Made of silver in 1588. The inscription reads: VERBVM DOMINE MANET IN ETERNV The word of the Lord endures...

Two Englishmen drinking a 'stirrup cup,' so called because it was the last drink between parting friends while one was in the saddle and had their feet in their stirrups. Print by an unknown artist, 18th century. The British...

An English woodsman drinking from a Christmas Wassail bowl, chalk drawing by Archibald Standish Hartrick, 1864-1950. The British Museum, London.

Toby jug for drinking beer or ale. Buff earthenware. Made by John Walton, 19th century. The British Museum, London.

A reconstructed Anglo-Saxon drinking horn with silver gilt decoration. 6th-7th century. Found at Taplow, Buckinghamshire, England. The British Museum.

Performance at the Palace of Versailles, etching on paper by Jean Lepautre, 1676. Depicted here is the French opera Alceste, by the composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, staged in the courtyard of the Palace of...

The Apotheosis of Isis, etching on paper by Sébastien Leclerc I, 1693. Depicted here is the grand stage design of the opera Isis by the composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, a central figure of theatrical culture in the court...

Choreography for the ballet La Délivrance de Renaud, etching on paper, 1617. Depicted here are four figures in different poses for the ballet de cour ("court ballet") of La Délivrance de Renaud, once danced by the...

La Barre and Other Musicians, oil on canvas by André Bouys, c. 1710. While the figures in this ensemble portrait are not identified directly by the work itself, the standing individual on the right is believed to be...