Posts by Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and a historian of early modern Britain & the Atlantic world. She holds a BA in History and Mathematics from Brown University and an MA in European & Russian Studies from Yale University. Madeleine has worked in archives and museums for years with a particular focus on photography and arts education. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, film photography, and studying law while cuddling with her cat Georgia.
Birds
October 30, 2024

Night Parrot Previously Thought To Be Extinct Is Discovered by Indigenous Rangers and Researchers

Australia is an extremely biodiverse nation, boasting over 800 species of bird. Among these are petite penguins, sand pipers, and tropical cockatoos. One of the island’s delightful species that once flew is the night parrot, a delightfully sweet green and yellow critter with small black flecks on its wings. For most of the 20th century, the species was thought to be extinct. Sightings were virtually nonexistent, and today remain exceptionally rare.

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Graphic Design
October 22, 2024

Iconic London Tube Map Designer’s Archive Is Going on Sale and Getting Its Own Exhibit

London's subway system (“the Tube”) is a standout feature of the city. Stretching into the suburbs, it connects a vast and diverse metropolis. Its easy-to-use lines take tourists and locals from monument to monument, pub to pub in fairly clean train cars (when compared to other major global hubs like New York City). Since 1863, the London Underground has been trendsetting in the transportation world as the first subway system.

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History
October 8, 2024

First-Known Romantic Photo of an Interracial American Couple Is Up for Auction

In 1967, a case called Loving v. Virginia declared the right to choose interracial marriage a constitutional personal freedom. While this monumental decision was soberingly recent, the history of interracial romance is long and often entwined with the struggle for equal rights for all. Societal and individualized racism faced couples, even well after legal bans were struck down.

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Impressionism
September 24, 2024

Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” Hides Atmospheric Physics

Vincent van Gogh is arguably modern history's most well-known artist. From cutting off his ear to painting with swirling visible brushstrokes, Van Gogh was surprising in many ways. His artistic forays evolved over time as he produced well over 1,500 works. His most famous work is The Starry Night, which features a twirling night sky in vivid brushstrokes above cypress trees.

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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.