Posts by Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou was a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
Ancient Art
August 8, 2020

Unearthing the Importance of the Life-Sized Terracotta Warriors

Today, the unexpected unearthing of the Terracotta Army—a hoard of legendary, life-sized clay soldiers intended to fill an emperor's elaborate mausoleum—is renowned as one of the world's greatest archaeological events. Discovered in northwestern China and dating back to its first dynasty, the ceramic figures have shed light on the country's ancient artistic practices and age-old burial rituals.

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Art History
July 19, 2020

Immerse Yourself in the Long-Running Tradition of Bathers in Art

For centuries, artists have drawn endless inspiration from the humble bather. Whether washing in a tub, in a basin, or at the sink, the bathing figure has popped up in art since ancient times, culminating in a muse that appears to float above the rest. In order to understand why such a seemingly simple subject has had such a long-running history, it's important to trace its artistic evolution.

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Art History
July 11, 2020

Meet Les Nabis, the “Prophets of Modern Art” Who Transformed Turn-Of-The-Century Painting

As France approached the turn of the 20th-century, several modernist movements had started to take shape. Inspired by the forward-thinking Impressionists, like-minded fin de siècle artists banded together to push the boundaries of art. While most of these groupings revolved around shared styles, tastes, or techniques, the Nabi movement was more metaphysical in nature, born out of a “prophecy” that promised a new age of painting.   Who were the Nabis?

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Art History
July 4, 2020

Symbolism: A Meaningful Approach to Turn-Of-The-Century Poetry and Painting

In 1886, Greek writer and art critic Jean Moréas published a manifesto on Symbolism. Described by Moréas as a “present thrust of the creative spirit in art,” Symbolism was sparked by an interest in spirituality, materializing as a movement that favored subjectivity over realism. While Symbolism's popularity waned in the early 20th century, its influence has been long-lasting, touching subsequent movements and inspiring artists for years to come.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.