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.
History
April 9, 2020

Hop Into Easter With This Egg-cellent History of the Holiday

Happy Easter! As you hop into the holiday spirit, you may find yourself embracing Easter celebrations, whether you're filling a basket with fake grass and fun goodies or dyeing a dozen hard-boiled eggs. While you may not think twice about these seemingly silly activities, they're actually age-old practices packed with history, springing from ancient rituals, medieval folklore, and more modern incarnations. Want to learn more about Easter and its technicolor traditions?

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Art History
April 4, 2020

The History of the Prestigious Paris Salon (And the Radical Artists Who Subverted It)

In 1874, several artists based in Paris banded together to hold an independent art show. Later known as the Impressionists, these figures took it upon themselves to present their own paintings, prints, and sculptures, bypassing an external selection process. Today, this may seem like standard practice. In 19th-century France, however, it was considered a radical move, as it subverted the Salon. At this time, the Salon served as Paris' premier art exhibition.

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Art History
March 13, 2020

A Look at the Shimmering Art of Duccio, a Master of Medieval Panel Painting

During the Italian Renaissance, a wave of pioneering painters, sculptors, and draftsmen ushered in a golden age of art and culture. While these innovative artists shaped one of history's most important movements, they were far from the first to find artistic success in Italy. Before Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and even Giotto made their marks, Duccio put medieval Italy on the map with his glistening gold panel paintings.

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Art
March 1, 2020

The Exquisite Artistry and History of Chinese Silk Painting

For millennia, silk painting has helped shape China's rich visual history. This exquisite practice pairs two of Chinese culture's most celebrated artistic traditions—sinuous brushwork and tactically spun textiles—making it an exceptionally important craft. Beyond its role as a culture bearer, however, silk painting is prized for its ethereal aesthetic, which artists have continued to adopt and adapt since ancient times.

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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.