Art History

August 19, 2023

How the Memphis Movement Went Against “Good Taste” To Inspire Designers Today

Trends are cyclical, and it seems that even the most outrageous ones find a way of coming back in vogue. Memphis design, a style synonymous with the 1980s, is one example of how a movement that, in the early aughts, would’ve seemed ridiculous is now back in style among influencers and tastemakers. Once called “a shotgun wedding between Bauhaus and Fisher-Price,” Memphis design is now taken seriously by the design community.

Read Article

August 6, 2023

Who Was N.C. Wyeth? Learn About the 20th Century Illustrator Responsible for Over 100 Books

In an era that’s known as the Golden Age of illustration, illustrator Newell Convers Wyeth (aka N.C. Wyeth) was one of its superstars. The American painter contributed illustrations to over 100 books and painted over 4,000 images. His realistically rendered pictures visualized classic tales like Treasure Island, The Last of the Mohicans, and Robinson Crusoe. Wyeth also created illustrations for advertising campaigns such as Coca-Cola and Kellogg’s Foods.

Read Article

July 29, 2023

The Significance of Botticelli’s Renaissance Masterpiece ‘Primavera’

Florentine artist Sandro Botticelli is credited for his contributions to the Italian Renaissance. Widely considered one of the most prolific painters of the 15th century, he is known for his large-scale paintings of mythological subject matter, including Primavera, an allegorical celebration of spring. This piece is one of the most important Early Renaissance works. Housed by Florence's famed Uffizi Gallery, it continues to attract viewers with its classical symbolism, elaborate composition, and delicate attention to detail.

Read Article

July 22, 2023

Learn About the Magic of Mary Blair, an Illustrator Who Helped Define Early Disney Films

If you’ve watched a Walt Disney animated classic or read a vintage Golden Book, then you’ve likely interacted with the art of Mary Blair. The illustrator and animator left her mark on the visual culture of the mid-20th century in ways that are still celebrated today. As a concept artist for Disney, she created stylized designs that informed the look of films such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan.

Read Article

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.