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Ostrich Feathers Collection (#10)

"Captivating Ostrich Feathers

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Kenya, South Horr, Kurungu

Kenya, South Horr, Kurungu. A Samburu youth after his circumcision. The day after he has been circumcised, the initiate must hang in his pierced earlobes copper ear ornaments that are normally worn

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Mulier primaria Antuerpiensis, in ornatus domestica (Gentlewoman of Antwerp in domestic

Mulier primaria Antuerpiensis, in ornatus domestica (Gentlewoman of Antwerp in domestic adornment), 1625-77

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Two men and a woman playing cards at a table, one man pressing his nose toward the

Two men and a woman playing cards at a table, one man pressing his nose toward the womans forehead, from a series of ten scenes of musicians and couples dancing, drinking, playing music

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: The Actress Prayer!!, August 10, 1801. August 10, 1801. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The Actress Prayer!!, August 10, 1801. August 10, 1801. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
The Actress Prayer!!, August 10, 1801

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Geraud Duroc, Duke of Friuli, (1838). Creator: Charles Gavard

Geraud Duroc, Duke of Friuli, (1838). Creator: Charles Gavard
Geraud Duroc, Duke of Friuli, (1838). Portrait of French general Geraud Christophe Michel Duroc, 1st Duc de Frioul (1772-1813), Grand Marechal du Palais (Grand marshal of the palace)

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: During a Ngetunogh ceremony, the mothers of Pokot initiates sing

During a Ngetunogh ceremony, the mothers of Pokot initiates sing and dance holding high the cowhorn containers they used to smear fat over the masks of their sons as a blessing

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: The Pokot have a small ceremony called Koyogho when a man pays his in-laws the balance of

The Pokot have a small ceremony called Koyogho when a man pays his in-laws the balance of the agreed dowry for his wife. This may take place many years after he marries her

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Pokot men, women and girls dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony

Pokot men, women and girls dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Pokot women and girls dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony

Pokot women and girls dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Pokot men and women dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a

Pokot men and women dancing to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Pokot warriors celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic

Pokot warriors celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Jovial Pokot women celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern

Jovial Pokot women celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: A Pokot warrior wearing a leopard skin jumps high in the air surrounded by women to celebrate an

A Pokot warrior wearing a leopard skin jumps high in the air surrounded by women to celebrate an Atelo ceremony. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Kenya, Kajiado, lpartimaro

Kenya, Kajiado, lpartimaro. Two Msai warriors in full regalia. The headress of the man on the left is made from the mane of a lion while the one on the right is fringed with black ostrich feathers

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: A Turkana man with a fine clay hairstyle

A Turkana man with a fine clay hairstyle, so typical of the southern Turkana. The black ostrich feather pompoms denote that the man belongs to the ng imor (black) moiety of his tribe

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Turkana elders wear decorative ivory lip ornaments

Turkana elders wear decorative ivory lip ornaments, secured in position by a spigot which is inserted in a hole pierced below the mans lower lip after initiation

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: A Samburu boy in reflective mood after his circumcision

A Samburu boy in reflective mood after his circumcision. A day after the ordeal, he will hang in his pierced earlobes copper earrings normally worn by married women

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Unknown Girl, aged 20, 1587 (oil on panel)

Unknown Girl, aged 20, 1587 (oil on panel)
BAL72729 Unknown Girl, aged 20, 1587 (oil on panel) by Bettes, John, the Younger (c.1530-1615/6); 94x76.2 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: overpainted to represent Elizabeth I; ); English

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Queen Elizabeth I, c. 1585-90 (panel)

Queen Elizabeth I, c. 1585-90 (panel)
BAL72728 Queen Elizabeth I, c.1585-90 (panel) by Bettes, John the Younger (c.1530-1615/6) (attr.to); 96.5x82.6 cm; Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Portrait of Maria Josephine Amalia of Saxony

Portrait of Maria Josephine Amalia of Saxony
XJL62081 Portrait of Maria Josephine Amalia of Saxony by Lacoma, Francisco (1778-1849); Museo Romantico, Madrid, Spain; Spanish, out of copyright

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Getting Dressed, 1869

Getting Dressed, 1869
BAL55715 Getting Dressed, 1869 by Boutibonne, Charles Edouard (1816-97); Private Collection; French, out of copyright

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Mrs Sarah Siddons, the actress (1755-1831), 1785 (oil on canvas)

Mrs Sarah Siddons, the actress (1755-1831), 1785 (oil on canvas)
XCF5362 Mrs Sarah Siddons, the actress (1755-1831), 1785 (oil on canvas) by Gainsborough, Thomas (1727-88); 126.4x99.7 cm; National Gallery, London, UK; English, out of copyright

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Charles I as Prince of Wales on Horseback, from The Book of Kings, 1618

Charles I as Prince of Wales on Horseback, from The Book of Kings, 1618
XJF397686 Charles I as Prince of Wales on Horseback, from The Book of Kings, 1618 (engraving) by Elstrack, Renold (1570-1625); Private Collection; (add.info.: Charles I (1600-49) King of England

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Portrait of a Lady in a Hat

Portrait of a Lady in a Hat
BAL35762 Portrait of a Lady in a Hat by Mulnier, J. (c.1755); Rafael Valls Gallery, London, UK; out of copyright

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: 2920808; out of copyright

2920808; out of copyright

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Portrait of Charles I as a Prince (engraving) (b / w photo)

Portrait of Charles I as a Prince (engraving) (b / w photo)
XJF271066 Portrait of Charles I as a Prince (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Charles I (1600-49) King of England

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds, detail depicting the male card player with the feathered hat, c

The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds, detail depicting the male card player with the feathered hat, c
XIR242477 The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds, detail depicting the male card player with the feathered hat, c.1635-40 (oil on canvas) (detail of 90053) by Tour, Georges de la (1593-1652); Louvre

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Portrait of Louis XIV, King of France, Pieter van Schuppen, in or after 1663 - 1702

Portrait of Louis XIV, King of France, Pieter van Schuppen, in or after 1663 - 1702

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Pampa Indians at a Store in the Indian Market of Buenos Aires, from Picturesque

Pampa Indians at a Store in the Indian Market of Buenos Aires, from Picturesque
XZL151516 Pampa Indians at a Store in the Indian Market of Buenos Aires, from Picturesque Illustrations of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, engraved by J

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Lady who runs great ostrich farm in Spain. Senora Maria Arizon, who manages a

Lady who runs great ostrich farm in Spain. Senora Maria Arizon, who manages a great ostrich farm in Spain. 27 February 1925

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Miss Hungary Mlle Olly von Wlassics, the Budapest beauty, who has been chosen

Miss Hungary Mlle Olly von Wlassics, the Budapest beauty, who has been chosen to represent her country at the International Beauty contest to be held at Galveston, Texas. 19 May 1928

Background imageOstrich Feathers Collection: Masai man talking on mobile phone, Masai Mara, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Masai man talking on mobile phone, Masai Mara, Kenya, East Africa, Africa




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"Captivating Ostrich Feathers: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance and Power" From the grand portraits of historical figures like Field Marshal Lord Roberts to the mythical heroes depicted by Hendrik Goltzius, they have long held a place in art and culture. These magnificent plumes, with their graceful curves and ethereal softness, have been used throughout history to adorn garments and accessories, symbolizing status, strength, and beauty. In Lucas Cranach the Elder's masterpiece "Saint Maurice, " we see the regal figure adorned with a majestic ostrich feather headdress, signifying his noble stature. Similarly, in the 19th-century depiction of "A Wellington Boot- or the Head of the Armye, " an imposing military leader proudly wears an ostentatious hat embellished with these luxurious feathers as a mark of authority. But they can not limited to formal occasions alone. In more lighthearted depictions such as "The Featherd Fair in a Fright" or Kate Carney's Lambeth Walk performance at London's music hall, they add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to entertain audiences. Beyond artistry lies cultural significance. The Pokot warriors celebrate their Atelo ceremony by adorning themselves with cheetah skin while surrounded by young women; here too, ostrich feathers find their place amidst this vibrant display of tradition and community spirit. Even fashion has embraced these enchanting plumes. Princess Charlotte Augusta dons them gracefully in her 19th-century portrait captured by Henry Thomas Ryall while Mrs. Bryan Cooke exudes elegance wearing an exquisite gown accentuated by delicate feather details created by George Romney. Throughout centuries and across continents, from Renaissance engravings depicting male costumes to pochoir prints showcasing Les Belles Sauvagesses de 1920 or Le Depart pour le Casino pub. , they have remained timeless symbols of allure and grandeur.