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.
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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Science
September 21, 2024

Complex Life May Have Begun 1.5 Billion Years Earlier Than Believed

Humans, cats, dogs, chickens, rats, trees, fungi—today, complex life on Earth comes in a remarkable number of variations. Its evolution has taken many twists and turns over millions of years, including the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and the development of “legs” for sea creatures to take to the land. But when did this prehistoric parade of evolution begin? Evidence of microbes has been discovered dating back 3.7 billion years.

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Renaissance Art
September 16, 2024

Painting Seemingly by Rembrandt Discovered in Maine Attic Sells for $1.4 Million

Rembrandt van Rijn is the peak of Dutch Golden Age art. From his incredible drawings to his evocative portraits, the Old Master captures light and shadow like no other. His works hang in all the major museums, but they also turn up around the world in private collections and mysterious hidden spots. When these resurrected treasures do reach auction they sell for incredible prices.

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Archeology
September 10, 2024

Little Boy Who Broke 3,500-Year-Old Vase Invited Back to Museum to See It Restored

Museums are famous for their near-ubiquitous “no touching” rule. In an effort to make exhibits more approachable, many institutions have experimented with placing certain artifacts and works of art out in the open with no glass dividing the viewer and the subject. This can help art and history feel more accessible. One museum in Haifa, Israel—the Hecht Museum—did just that.

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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.