Images

This map illustrates the shifting web of overland and maritime routes—later dubbed the “Silk Road”—that linked China, India, and Southeast Asia with Persia, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Europe. From desert caravans to monsoon-powered ships...

A c. 1550 portrait of Henry II of Navarre (r. 1517-55). He married Marguerite de Navarre (l. 1492-1549) in 1526. (Musée Condé, Château de Chantilly, France)

A portrait by François Clouet of Marguerite de Navarre (l. 1492-1549), Queen of Navarre. (Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris)

The coat of arms of Marguerite de Navarre (l. 1492-1549), Queen of Navarre.

A 16th-century portrait of the French jurist and historian Florimond de Raemond (1540-1601).

A c. 1450 tarot card showing a female pope, perhaps inspired by the story of Pope Joan who was a legendary female pope of the Middle Ages said to have reigned from 855 to 858. Her existence is disputed. From the Visconti-Sforza tarot deck...

A 1645 illustration showing a cardinal checking that Pope Innocent X (in office 1644-55) is indeed a man.

A 15-16th century manuscript illustration of Pope Joan, a legendary female pope of the Middle Ages said to have reigned from 855 to 858. Her existence is disputed. (Bibliothèque nationale de France).

A c. 1450 illustration showing Pope Joan giving birth during a procession. Pope Joan was a legendary female pope of the Middle Ages said to have reigned from 855 to 858. Her existence is disputed. (Spencer Collection)

An 1873 oil on canvas, Working the Land (aka Landscape), by Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) the French post-impressionist painter. Painted before Gauguin decided to become a full-time artist and his first major canvas. It shows the influence of...