Art History

October 18, 2018

The Enchanting History of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s Famous Gargoyles

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is celebrated as one of the most exquisite examples of Gothic architecture. Constructed in the Middle Ages, the church has welcomed worshippers and sightseers for centuries, inspiring awe with its sky-high spires, ethereal stained glass windows, and spell-binding sculptures. Among carved depictions of holy figures like saints and prophets, the cathedral’s exterior also features a menagerie of grotesques, stone creatures intended to protect the church from malevolent spirits.

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October 7, 2018

Exploring Fauvism’s Expressive and Colorful Contributions to Modern Art

At the start of the 20th century, the modern art movement was taking shape around the world. In Austria, Gustav Klimt was crafting his glimmering gold paintings. In Tahiti, ex-patriate Paul Gauguin was keeping Post-Impressionism alive. And in France, a “wild” group of artists founded Fauvism, a genre defined by an expressive approach to painting. Unlike most other major art movements, Fauvism lasted for only a few years.

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September 26, 2018

The History of the Color Red: From Ancient Paintings to Louboutin Shoes

Red is not only one of the primary colors, it’s also one of the first colors used by artists—dating back to prehistory. Ranging from orange tinges to deep wine hues, throughout history the color red has held special significance for cultures around the world. The warm color is most commonly associated with love in Western culture and remains an attractive, vibrant color that immediately brings attention to itself.

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September 18, 2018

Girl with a Pearl Earring: Unraveling the Mysterious Masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age

In the 17th century, the Netherlands experienced a period of artistic prosperity known as the Dutch Golden Age. During this era, enlightened artists found inspiration in Northern Renaissance painting techniques, culminating in masterpieces like Girl With a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. Known as the “Mona Lisa of the North,” this painting represents the best of Dutch art. Though Girl With a Pearl Earring is shrouded in mystery (much like its Leonardo da Vinci counterpart)

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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.