Judith Thurman on the history of crowns: http://nyr.kr/1iEBH6T
“The salient features of alpha malehood—manes, antlers, gorgeous plumage, and, above all, literally, the sun’s corona—have inspired their design. Napoleon’s imperial crown was a wreath of golden laurel leaves, the classical world’s homage to a victor of games or war. Christ’s crown of thorns mocked his claim of being the king of the Jews.”
Photograph: Clara Amit/Israel Antiquities Authority
Yet another fine blog…. 😅 