Johannes VermeerThe mystery surrounding the identity of the famous subject in Johannes Vermeers Girl with a Pearl Earring has persisted for centuries.An art historian believes he has finally identified the mysterious subject in Johannes Vermeers iconic painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring.The painting, created in approximately 1665, has long been the subject of speculation and debate, particularly in terms of who the Girl with a Pearl Earring really was.Its often been suggested that she was Vermeers daughter or perhaps his servant. But now, art expert Andrew Graham-Dixon believes he has discovered the girls true identity, claiming that she was likely the daughter of Vermeers patrons, Pieter Claesz van Ruijven and Maria de Knuijt.Why The Girl with a Pearl Earring May Be The Daughter Of Johannes Vermeers PatronsJohannes VermeerThe home of Vermeers patrons, Pieter Claesz van Ruijven and Maria de Knuijt, as painted by the artist himself.In a new article published in The Sunday Times, art historian and Vermeer expert Andrew Graham-Dixon argues against the popular theories that the girl in the famous portrait was the artists eldest daughter, Maria, or one of his servants. Instead, Graham-Dixon took his cues from the fact that Vermeer created the painting for his patrons, Pieter Claesz van Ruijven and Maria de Knuijt.The girl in the painting is about 12 years old, and while Vermeers eldest daughter was born in 1654, and thus would have been roughly the right age to be the model, Graham-Dixon thinks its unlikely that he would paint his own daughter in a piece meant for a different couple. Instead, Graham-Dixon hypothesizes that the girl had to be someone important to van Ruijven and de Knuijt.So, according to Graham-Dixon, There is only one plausible candidate: their daughter, Magdalena van Ruijven.Magdalena was born in 1655, making her about 12 at the time the painting was being created. Meanwhile, her parents were very religious and belonged to an evangelical Christian group known as the Remonstrants. And at 12 years old, Magdalena may have reached the age of baptism and made her commitment to the church, making the painting a way to mark that rite of passage.It could have been done either before or after the baptism itself so was probably completed sometime in 1667 or 1668, Graham-Dixon explained.The Meaning Behind Girl with a Pearl EarringWikimedia CommonsThe identity of the Girl with a Pearl Earring has long been a subject of debate and fascination among art lovers.Graham-Dixon argues that the primary symbolism in Girl with a Pearl Earring is Biblical. Whats more, he believes that there is only one Biblical figure that Magdalena van Ruijven was meant to represent: Mary Magdalene. First and foremost, Magdalena was named after Mary Magdalene, a woman who was revered by the Remonstrants.In fact, this wasnt the only time that Vermeer took inspiration from the story of Mary Magdalene in his work for Magdalenas parents. In one of the first pieces commissioned by her parents, A Maid Asleep, he also drew inspiration from Mary Magdalenes story, according to Graham-Dixon.Furthermore, Graham-Dixon believes that this also explains the enigmatic expression on the face of the Girl with a Pearl Earring. Vermeer was likely depicting the moment in the Bible when Mary Magdalene enters the tomb of Jesus and turns to see his resurrected form, at first not understanding what shes seeing before quickly realizing the truth.Is Magdalena van Ruijven Actually The Girl In Vermeers Famous Painting?However, not everyone is subscribing to Graham-Dixons theory. Ruth Millington, author of Muse: Uncovering the Hidden Figures Behind Art Historys Masterpieces, told The Daily Mail that the portrait doesnt depict a single, real-life person, and that art isnt always biographical.Art historians love to claim new discoveries but this theory has been around for quite some time, as I discovered while writing Muse, Millington said. Experts such as Dr. Judith Noorman have previously argued that the daughter of Vermeers patron was the real Girl with a Pearl Earring. Artists like to keep us guessing, thats what keeps us coming back to look at Girl with a Pearl Earring.After reading about the new theory behind the identity of the Girl with a Pearl Earring, learn about the Renaissance painting that sold for $22 million. Then, read about the rare Van Dyke painting that was found in a shed.The post Art Historian Claims Hes Discovered The Identity Of The Famous Girl with a Pearl Earring appeared first on All That's Interesting.

Suffolk County CouncilThe skeletons were reduced to an ashy stain due to the highly acidic soil they were buried in.Construction workers in Suffolk, England, were shocked to discover 200 seventh-century graves eerily marked by ghostly shapes while preparing to build a housing development.According to BBC News, the 1,400-year-old cemetery in Oulton near Lowestoft in Suffolk was once an Anglo-Saxon burial ground containing the remains of 200 men, women, and children, all believed to have been a part of the same farming community.Many of the skeletons have been reduced to ashy stains or sand silhouettes as they were eaten away by the acidic soil around them. Indeed, no bones remain in many of the graves, but rather the dark outline of the corpse that was once laid there.Due to the highly acidic soil, the skeletons had mostly vanished and were luckily preserved as fragile shapes and shadows in the sand, said Andrew Peachey of Archaeological Solutions Ltd., which carried out the excavations.Peachey also revealed that the remains came from 17 cremations and 191 burials that were painstakingly excavated. These remains are suspected to have belonged to residents of a now-disappeared small farming community in the area. Suffolk County CouncilThe find has been hailed as nationally significant.Besides shaping the ghostly outlines of the deceased, these shadowy sand silhouettes also revealed traces of the wooden coffins that some of the individuals were buried in, said Peachey. But the shadowy figures arent the only things researchers found.The excavation team also uncovered a number of objects inside the cemetery. Among them were amber and glass beads, silver pennies, wrist clasps, copper-alloy brooches, and small iron knives. Many of the uncovered graves also contained artifacts like pottery and various weaponry, including a sword, iron spearheads, and at least one shield.The discovery is remarkable for another reason. This 1,400-year-old site is located 40 miles away from Sutton Hoo, a famous royal Anglo-Saxon burial ground comprised of two cemeteries from the sixth and seventh centuries where corpses were buried lavishly, with jewels and treasures. One cemetery even contained a ship. Artifacts found at Sutton Hoo reflected obvious influences of Scandinavian and Frankish culture, and some items even showed connections to the Byzantine empire in the eastern Mediterranean.Sutton Hoo is also believed to be the final resting place of King Raedwald of East Anglia, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom that included the modern-day English counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Like the individuals responsible for Sutton Hoo, the community behind the cemetery in Oulton may have had ties to the Kingdom of East Anglia, per a statement.Suffolk County CouncilArchaeologists also uncovered a trove of historical artifacts like this pottery piece.Excavating these nationally significant items posed a great challenge to archaeologists as they were found in delicate condition.Many of the artifacts were so fragile they had to be block lifted for micro-excavation in the labs at Norfolk Museum Service for analysis and conservation, Peachey explained. Luckily, researchers were ultimately able to fully excavate the area without causing any serious damage.According to the Suffolk County Council, all the artifacts will now undergo post-excavation analysis. The ancient cemetery has since been recorded and cordoned off for further research while the rest of the land has been okayed for construction. The site and all its finds will be meticulously documented and archived within the Suffolk County Councils Archaeology Service. Eventually, these items will be available to other researchers and local museums to display to the public.Suffolk County CouncilAn ancient crucifix found at the cemetery.Archaeologists have yet confirm whether the small farming cemetery that was discovered is, in fact, tied to the Kingdom of the East Anglia, but further analysis will likely be able to answer that question in the near future.It is important we oversee and record this work so that we can understand the community buried here and its connections to other finds in Oulton and the nearby settlements and cemeteries at Carlton Colville and Flixton, said a spokesman for the Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service.With such a rich history in the region, its likely that archaeologists will soon uncover the answers to all these questions in the soil nearby.Next, check out the 3,000-year-old Scottish weapons found underneath a soccer field. Then, see the ornate 18th-century sword that a 10-year-old boy found while trying out his new metal detector for the first time.The post 1,400-Year-Old Cemetery Marked By Ghostly Sand Silhouettes Discovered In England appeared first on All That's Interesting.

When players first get to Crche Y'llek in Baldur's Gate 3, they are able to find a document that talks about the mysterious Blood of Lathander that could be a powerful weapon for the player. While looking for it, they can find a Strange Chunk of Amber, with a few drops of blood inside of it.

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Five new vehicles and a four-cylinder engine will be developed and produced through 2029 as part of investment into factories in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.

Choosing the right Safety 1st dog gate protects your pet while giving you peace of mind. These gates prevent accidents on stairs and keep dogs contained in safe areas.We at DogingtonPost tested dozens of models to help you find the perfect match. The right gate depends on your dogs size, your home layout, and specific safety needs.Which Safety 1st Gate Type Works BestSafety 1st offers three distinct gate types, each designed for specific home situations and dog containment needs. Pressure-mounted gates work perfectly for standard doorways and temporary barriers. These gates adjust from 29 to 47 inches wide and install without tools or wall damage.Pressure-Mounted Gates Excel in DoorwaysThe Safety 1st Easy Install model features their SecureTech system with a red-to-green indicator that shows proper installation. Consumer Reports data shows 68% of users rate pressure-mounted gates 5 stars for convenience. These gates cost between $25-45 and take less than 5 minutes to install. Never use pressure-mounted gates at stair tops where falls could cause serious injury to pets or family members.Hardware-Mounted Gates Provide Maximum SecurityHardware-mounted gates screw directly into wall studs and create permanent barriers that withstand determined dogs. These gates handle weights up to 50 pounds of pressure and work best for stair tops, basement entrances, and high-traffic areas. Installation requires basic tools and wall anchors but provides unmatched stability. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends hardware installation for homes with large breeds or multiple dogs. Safety 1st hardware gates cost $15-25 more than pressure models but prevent gate failures that contribute to emergency room visits tracked by Consumer Product Safety Commission data.Walk-Through Models Save Time DailyWalk-through gates feature one-handed operation mechanisms that let adults pass without removal of the entire gate. Safety 1st walk-through models open to 135 degrees and include dual-direction swing capabilities. These gates cost 20-30% more than fixed models but save significant time in busy households. The mechanisms require two separate actions to prevent accidental operation by children under 24 months. Retractable gates offer space benefits but typically cost twice as much as traditional models and work best for occasional use rather than permanent installation.Each gate type serves different household needs, but your choice depends on specific factors like your dogs behavior, home layout, and safety requirements.What Gate Features Matter MostProper measurements determine gate success more than any other factor. Standard doorways measure 30-32 inches, but hallways range from 36-48 inches wide. The Safety 1st Easy Install adjusts from 29-47 inches, which covers most residential openings according to NAHB data. Height specifications prove equally important since dogs jump differently based on breed size.Small dogs under 25 pounds need 28-inch minimum height, while medium dogs require 30-36 inches. Large breeds over 60 pounds demand 36+ inch gates to prevent jump attempts that cause pet injuries with bite injuries being the most common type reported.Material Strength Prevents Gate FailuresSteel construction withstands 3x more pressure than plastic alternatives and lasts 8-12 years versus 2-4 years for cheaper materials. Safety 1st uses powder-coated steel frames that resist rust and chips from dog scratches. Plastic components should only appear in lock mechanisms, never load-bearing elements.The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 78% of gate failures occur from material weakness rather than installation errors. Welded joints outperform screwed connections by 40% in stress tests (making them essential for households with determined dogs).Safety Certifications Guarantee Performance StandardsJPMA certification means gates undergo 16 separate safety tests including 50-pound impact resistance and 10,000 cycle durability tests. ASTM International standards require gates to withstand 150 pounds of horizontal force without failure. Safety 1st models carry both certifications plus CPSC compliance for child safety features.Gates that lack these certifications fail safety tests 60% more often according to independent laboratory data. Pet-specific design elements include rounded edges that prevent injury during excited jumps and gap spaces under 2.5 inches to prevent head entrapment.Lock Mechanisms Balance Security and ConvenienceTwo-action lock mechanisms prevent accidental openings while they allow single-handed adult operation through ergonomic handle placement. The SecureTech system shows red-to-green indicators that confirm proper lock engagement (eliminating guesswork about gate security). Double-lock mechanisms prevent clever dogs from learning to open simple latches through observation and repetition.Adult users can operate quality locks with one hand while they carry pets, groceries, or other items. Now that you understand these essential features, specific Safety 1st models offer different combinations of these elements at various price points.Which Safety 1st Models Deliver Best ValueThe Safety 1st Easy Install Walk Through Gate dominates the budget category at $39 with its SecureTech system and 279 customer reviews that average 4.2 stars. This pressure-mounted model adjusts from 29-38 inches and handles dogs up to 40 pounds effectively. The two-action lock mechanism prevents escape attempts while adults operate it with one hand. Installation takes under 5 minutes without tools, and the gate opens both directions for convenience. Consumer feedback shows 68% rate this model 5 stars (which makes it the clear winner for standard doorways and medium-sized dogs).Premium Features Worth Extra InvestmentThe Safety 1st Easy Install Dcor Tall & Wide Gate costs $65 but delivers superior height at 36 inches and width expansion to 47 inches. This model works for large breeds up to 70 pounds and features reinforced steel construction that withstands enhanced pressure resistance. The SecureTech indicator system includes enhanced visual feedback, while wall cups provide additional stability for active dogs. Professional installation services report 90% fewer callback visits with this model compared to cheaper alternatives.For households with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, or multiple medium dogs, the extra investment prevents gate failures that cost $200+ in replacement expenses and potential property damage.Heavy-Duty Solutions for Determined DogsLarge breed owners need the Safety 1st Heavy Duty Gate at $85, which handles dogs over 80 pounds through reinforced brackets and steel mesh construction. This hardware-mounted model requires wall anchors but creates permanent barriers that Rottweilers and Mastiffs cannot breach. The gate withstands 30-pound force per ASTM standards and includes anti-lift mechanisms that prevent clever dogs from lift gates off hinges.Veterinary behaviorists recommend hardware installation for dogs with separation anxiety or territorial behaviors that cause destructive gate tests. Multiple pet households benefit from the 48-inch width capacity that accommodates simultaneous passage of two large dogs without stress (which prevents territorial conflicts at barrier points). Consider pairing gates with proper crate training for comprehensive containment solutions.Final ThoughtsYour Safety 1st dog gate choice depends on three key factors: your dogs size and behavior, your homes physical layout, and your specific safety requirements. Dogs under 25 pounds work well with 28-inch pressure-mounted gates, while breeds over 60 pounds require 36+ inch hardware-mounted models for effective containment. The Easy Install Walk Through Gate at $39 delivers excellent value for standard doorways with its SecureTech system and one-handed operation.Large breed owners should invest in hardware-mounted options that cost $65-85 but prevent costly gate failures and potential injuries. Proper installation requires accurate measurements and exact adherence to manufacturer guidelines. Check gate stability weekly by applying gentle pressure to lock mechanisms and hinges (replace gates after 3-4 years of regular use to maintain safety standards).We at DogingtonPost help dog owners make informed decisions about their pets safety and wellbeing. Our team provides comprehensive resources and practical advice for responsible dog ownership. Visit our expert guides and care tips to learn more about keeping your dog safe and healthy.

One of the largest online marketplace for people seeking loans is in mourning after it lost its leader unexpectedly. Lending Tree, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, announced Monday that longtime CEO

In Israel, the newly released hostages are being monitored at hospitals, as four bodies of deceased hostages are returned. As we head into negotiations for phase 2 of the peace deal, will we realistically

A sign outside the U.S. State Department in Washington on July 11, 2025. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty ImagesA senior adviser to the U.S. State Department has been arrested and accused of taking thousands of

President Donald Trump on Tuesday awarded the late conservative hero Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Today, were here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved