Ancient Art

October 6, 2019

How This 30,000-Year-Old Figurine Continues to Captivate Today

Throughout history, countless creatives have found inspiration in Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Derived from Aphrodite, a prominent deity in ancient Greek mythology, Venus was central to Roman worship—and, in turn, to art of the time. While the 2nd-century-BCE Venus de Milo is perhaps the most well-known sculpture of the goddess, it is not the oldest; in fact, that honor goes to the Venus of Willendorf, a piece that predates the myth itself by over 20,000 years.

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January 9, 2019

All About ‘Laocoön and His Sons’: A Marble Masterpiece From the Hellenistic Period

During ancient Greece's Hellenistic Period, sculptors took their classical craft to new levels. Renowned for expressive figures that appear to be in motion, this era saw the creation of three of the world's most famous marble sculptures: The Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Laocoön and His Sons. Since its 16th century excavation, Laocoön and His Sons has attracted archaeologists and art lovers alike.

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September 21, 2017

Amateur Archaeologists Discover Rare Ancient Roman Mosaic in England

Just prior to finishing funds for their three-year-long archaeological dig, amateur historians and archaeologists in southern England have stumbled upon an incredible find—a rare ancient Roman mosaic. While the group has discovered many important artifacts in the past three years, their findings pale in comparison to the 4th-century CE artwork. It's an incredible coup for the volunteer group, which is composed of 55 members ranging in age from 9 to about 80 years old.

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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.