Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Queen Elizabeth I in amber


Artnet has a report about the forthcoming auction of an amber heart-shaped pendant enclosing a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I. 


The pendant with its portrait of Queen Elizabeth I

Image: Artnet News

The item is little known and its creation has only now been studies. Dated to after 1592 because of the datable portrait, it appears to have been made in Königsberg, the centre of the amber-working craft. There seems no indication of who commissioned it or how and when it travelled to this country.

It does, however, suggest the importance of trading and cultural links between England and the relatively new Duchy of Prussia in these years. Trade with the Baltic was important until the events of the twentieth century from the east coast and ports as far west as Devon.

The illustrated article can accessed at Rediscovered Amber Portrait of Elizabeth I Heads to Auction

I also learned from it that magnifying glasses were invented in Königsberg - if anyone had asked me I would have thought renaissance Italy. One lives and learns.

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