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Nail Collection (#15)

"Nail: From Ostrich Legs to Crucifixion, a Journey through History and Culture" In Central America's vibrant Costa Rica, the art of hand manicure takes center stage

Background imageNail Collection: African Elephant - nails - Masai Mara Reserve - Kenya

African Elephant - nails - Masai Mara Reserve - Kenya
SE-813 African Elephant - nails Masai Mara Reserve - Kenya Loxodonta africana Suzi Eszterhas Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: David Wright woman in black underwear

David Wright woman in black underwear
Elegant woman with red hair, wearing black underwear. She appears to be sitting up in bed, with a dark green cover in front of her

Background imageNail Collection: David Wright woman in black hooded coat

David Wright woman in black hooded coat
Elegant woman in a black hooded coat, with a red bow at her neck and red nail polish to match. David Wright (1912 - 1967), was a popular British artist specialising in glamour

Background imageNail Collection: Women of the Ouled-Nails resting, Algeria

Women of the Ouled-Nails resting, Algeria
Women of the Ouled-Nails resting and drinking tea. Women from the tribe of Ouled Nail in Southern Algeria in their very distinctive and elaborate traditional clothing

Background imageNail Collection: Biskra - Street of Ouled Nails

Biskra - Street of Ouled Nails
The houses of the Ouled Nails, Biskra, Algeria. The women of the Ouled-Nails earned money through belly dancing. The women are heavily made-up, going unveiled at all times and wear their hair up

Background imageNail Collection: The houses of the Ouled Nails, Algeria

The houses of the Ouled Nails, Algeria
The houses of the Ouled Nails, Biskra, Algeria. The women of the Ouled-Nails earned money through belly dancing. The women are heavily made-up, going unveiled at all times and wear their hair up

Background imageNail Collection: Ouled-Nahils, Algeria - Southern Algerian Woman

Ouled-Nahils, Algeria - Southern Algerian Woman
Woman from the tribe of Ouled Nail in Southern Algeria in their very distinctive and elaborate traditional clothing. The women earned money through belly dancing

Background imageNail Collection: Sweetness of Doing Nothing

Sweetness of Doing Nothing
Il dolce far niente... In Italian, it means " the sweetness of doing nothing"... She is likely a woman from the tribe of Ouled Nail in Southern Algeria in their very distinctive

Background imageNail Collection: Crocheted Accessories

Crocheted Accessories
A woman looks in her bag, crocheted from red rust wool; her matching hat and scarf are also crocheted and look smart against her fawn tweed coat

Background imageNail Collection: Beauty Sleep

Beauty Sleep
An attractive young woman catches up on her beauty sleep

Background imageNail Collection: Nurse & Thermometer

Nurse & Thermometer
A smiling nurse brandishing a thermometer!

Background imageNail Collection: 60S Model & Union Jack

60S Model & Union Jack
A British model with a fringe & straight dark hair, covers her modesty with the Union (British) flag, as she strikes a pose

Background imageNail Collection: Madras Check Frock 1940S

Madras Check Frock 1940S
A young woman, wearing a madras check dress with short puff sleeves, paints her nails

Background imageNail Collection: Mole - eating worm. Bay of Somme -Picardie - France

Mole - eating worm. Bay of Somme -Picardie - France
WAT-15772 Mole - close-up of foot Bay of Somme -Picardie - France Talpa europaea M. Watson Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: Sparrow-Hawk Close up of talons

Sparrow-Hawk Close up of talons
JLMO-3453 SPARROWHAWK - close-up of talons Accipitor nisus John Mason Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: Crocodile hind foot

Crocodile hind foot
PM-10015 Crocodile hind foot Crocodylus sp Pat Morris Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: Starnose Mole - close-up of foot showing claws

Starnose Mole - close-up of foot showing claws
PG-102 Star-nosed Mole - close-up of foot showing claws Condylura cristata Paul Germain Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: Ferret - in studio

Ferret - in studio
LA-2824 Ferret - in studio Jean Michel Labat Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: Ferret - in studio

Ferret - in studio
LA-2822 Ferret - in studio Jean Michel Labat Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: 3-toed Sloth - close-up of claw. Panama

3-toed Sloth - close-up of claw. Panama
FG-890 3-toed Sloth - close-up of claw. Panama Bradypus infuscatus Francois Gohier Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: ASIAN / INDIAN ELEPHANT

ASIAN / INDIAN ELEPHANT
KF-447 ASIAN / INDIAN ELEPHANT close up of front foot showing toes Elephas maximus Kenneth W Fink Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageNail Collection: Close-up of the feet of a Hindu Saddhu or holy man

Close-up of the feet of a Hindu Saddhu or holy man standing on a bed of nails, in Mysore, Karnataka, India, Asia

Background imageNail Collection: Nail Varnishing 1960S

Nail Varnishing 1960S
A girl in a flouncy pink dress applying pink nail varnish to her nails

Background imageNail Collection: WILHELM II

WILHELM II German Emperor: a satirical comment on his intention to visit Paris in 1900 to attend the Exhibition

Background imageNail Collection: Varnished Nail Guard

Varnished Nail Guard
Nail guards. An American idea for protecting varnished nails until they are thoroughly dry. Date: 1930s

Background imageNail Collection: Lady with Attendants

Lady with Attendants
A lady who is either very tired, very lazy or very wealthy, gets a manicure, pedicure, and her hair brushed as she lounges on her bed

Background imageNail Collection: Glamorous Smoker

Glamorous Smoker
A very sophisticated woman, looking intelligent in spectacles and glamorous in make-up, smoking a cigarette

Background imageNail Collection: Overgrown Fingernails

Overgrown Fingernails
Extremely long fingernails of Annamite nobles Date: 19th century

Background imageNail Collection: Girl at her Mirror

Girl at her Mirror
An elegant woman looks at her reflection in the mirror to check that her makeup is in good order

Background imageNail Collection: German Reliquary 16C

German Reliquary 16C
German reliquary, with the sacred object - perhaps a nail from Jesuss cross - splendidly displayed




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"Nail: From Ostrich Legs to Crucifixion, a Journey through History and Culture" In Central America's vibrant Costa Rica, the art of hand manicure takes center stage. Skilled artisans delicately shape nails into works of art, transforming them into stunning extensions of beauty. But nails have always played diverse roles throughout history. From a simple case of nails and screws used for construction to their unexpected connection with chloroform experiments in the early days of scientific exploration. Did you know that even toilets had a role to play in the evolution care? In 1930, toilet manicures were all the rage as women sought innovative ways to pamper themselves. Traveling across continents, we find ourselves in Victoria, Gozo, Malta - where crucifixion became synonymous with nails. The haunting image reminds us of the sacrifices made throughout Europe's tumultuous past. On a lighter note, nail polish remover has become an essential tool for those seeking change or simply wanting a fresh start. It effortlessly wipes away layers of color and allows for endless possibilities. Venturing further eastward brings us face-to-face with the captivating Women of the Algerian Berber Ouled Nails Tribe. Their intricate nail designs tell stories passed down through generations - each stroke representing resilience and cultural heritage. Witnessing the Dance of the Ouled Nails in Southern Algeria is like stepping into another world altogether. This mesmerizing performance celebrates tradition while showcasing grace and elegance unique to North Africa. Looking back at history reveals fascinating glimpses into how nails shaped societies worldwide. An advert from 1913 showcases John Pound & Co cases - reminding us that even mundane objects can leave lasting impressions on our collective memory. Finally, let's not forget "The Village Blacksmith" immortalized by Richard Elmore's painting turned line engraving in 1862. A testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship that continues to inspire awe today.