So the Nottingham museums and city council insurance specialist have helped me secure an extension of the aes grave loan to allow for further testing. This is good news for our data and even better news as it meant I could change my flight for a later one and actually really sleep last night! It was over due. And, then today I puttered around Barcelona, prioritizing of course the archaeological museum. If you’re on my socials you might have seen a hint or two of this, including reels on FB and Insta. I’m completely charmed by Catalonia. I cannot believe I’ve not been before. I keep plotting how I can come back with my family and spend some real time enjoying this region and the rest of the Peninsula. I feel like a fool for translating my speaking notes into Spanish rather than Catalan. I should have known better. Ah well. Next time.
This is perhaps the most important object I saw. We all know pierced coins but I never imagined them being used in this configuration. I want more information and comparanda. (and yes it looks so much like a key chain I cannot stand it).
I also basically bought a book for this one picture:
Ok not quite, it is a very interesting book and at 20 EUR it was a steal and beautifully produced. I knew of the MET cup and blogged about it a while back and also mentioned this past autumn about spotting one in Brussels. The plaque is gorgeous and great testimonia of further reception of this famous motif.
Everything else I saw is just fun. I have more photos on file and all the labels too.
Liv Mariah Yarrow 