Reference Horde @what2drawreferencefactory - Tumblr Blog

Hey-o I use this blog to keep track of reference images for "environments", "people", "tutorials", and "fashion" ♥️

greelin

elijah wood as bacchus at 2004 mardi gras. if you care

alexseanchai

that's the context???

expressions-of-nature

Sagres, Portugal by Luca Severin

blackfolksintime

25-year-old Cab Calloway photographed by Carl Van Vechten on January 12, 1933.

viralfrog

diabloindigo

Character designs concept art from Sony Animation’s GOAT (2026).

Art by Chloe Veillard (badmiaou on Instagram) and Donminique Dawson (costume designer)

artifacts-and-arthropods

Bronze and Crystal Sword from China, c.450-250 BCE: the hilt of this sword was crafted from rock crystal, turquoise, and gold

This sword is more than 2,200 years old. The elaborate hilt was carved from a piece of rock crystal and then embellished with turquoise stones and intricate patterns of inlaid gold.

Above: a close-up of the ornately-decorated hilt

The blade itself was forged from bronze, and it has a greenish-blue patina that was naturally produced over time.

Above: some of the damage and discoloration on the blade

As this article explains:

This bronze sword from the Warring States period stands as a testament to engineering and artistic excellence. Meticulously detailed, the sword features a slender, formidable blade that would have delighted its owner both in battle and aesthetically.

However, the true star of this sword lies in its exquisitely decorated hilt. Adorned with inlays of rock crystal, turquoise, and gold, the hilt showcases the remarkable technical and artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. These precious materials not only enhance the sword’s visual appeal but likely communicate the status and affluence of its owner.

The sword’s intricate craftsmanship and use of rare materials suggest it was likely commissioned by a wealthy and influential individual, such as a high-ranking military commander or an aristocratic elite.

Sources & More Info:

History, News, and Archaeology: The Jeweled Sword of Ancient China

Brewminate: Metallurgical Evolution in Ancient China

Britannica: The Warring States Period

frostedmagnolias

Black Silk Gauze Gown

c. 1866

Augusta Auctions

lamignonette

dogwoodbite

[ID: two brown bears resting in the grass below two trees filled with small, white flowers /End ID]

anachrosims

just in case anyone forgot how wildly colorful Georgian interiors could be, even among the working class to the wealthy:

anachrosims

and EVEN WHEN things were more muted/neutral, the neutrality was OFFSET by ACCENT COLORS and HIGH CONTRAST between the wood tones and everything ELSE

ALSO AMERICAN COLONIAL INTERIORS POPPED OFF, Y'ALL (IN TERMS OF COLOR/COZINESS)

PEOPLE USED WHITEWASH AND COLORFUL TRIM OR EVEN JUST COLORFUL FURNITURE IF THEY COULD AFFORD TO DO SO

AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON FRENCH AND BRITISH AND AMERICAN WALLPAPERS

"ELIZABETH" YOU CRY, "WHY ARE YOU BEING SO EXTRA THIS MORNING?! IT'S MONDAY"

Because, my friend, my war on GREIGE will NEVER end.

Historic interiors were filled with LIFE and LIGHT and COLOR. ALWAYS HAVE BEEN.

Part of the reason we don't see a lot of textile art is because, frankly, textiles tend to degrade over time - especially ones that had utility! And yes, pigments and weaving and dying all boosted the expense of things, when we were finally reliably block-printing fabrics and broad reams of paper, it was no longer just the wealthy who could afford pretty patterns!

In the Americas, a far wider variety of pigments also became available because of the abundance of... well, a shitton of flora and minerals, some of which weren't as common in Europe.

WHY THE HIGHLIGHTER COLORS? you ask.

CANDLES.

Those colors reflect candlelight and natural sunlight REALLY WELL.

Humans LOVE bright colors, it's NOT just a thing for kids. We live in a brilliant, vibrant, multifaceted world. We ALWAYS have.

(STOP MAKING YOUR HISTORIC SIMS 4 BUILDS BE BLAND. STOP IT.)