Art History

August 27, 2022

Learn How Gian Lorenzo Bernini Pioneered the Unforgettable Baroque Art Style

As the Renaissance came to an end, a new, more elaborate style took its place. From the 17th to the 18th century, artists in Europe embraced the Baroque movement: an approach characterized by an ornate, over-the-top aesthetic that evokes ethereality and aims to inspire awe. One of the artists who helped develop this style was an Italian named Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

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August 20, 2022

Exploring Giorgione’s Mysterious Renaissance Painting ‘The Tempest’

With its bucolic setting and enigmatic character, it's no wonder that Giorgione's The Tempest has bewitched art lovers for centuries. Created in the early 16th century during the High Renaissance, it has been described as the first landscape in history due to the unprecedented prominence of the Italian countryside. As one of only six surviving paintings attributed to Giorgione—who died at a young age—The Tempest has remained shrouded in mystery.

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August 11, 2022

London Museum Is Returning Over 70 Pieces of Looted Art to Nigeria

The Kingdom of Benin was established in the 13th century in West Africa. From medieval beginnings emerged a powerful kingdom with extensive trade networks, glorious art in bronze and wood, and powerful rulers known as obas. Its capital was Benin City, or Edo, and is still an urban center of present-day Nigeria. In 1897, British troops razed the city—pillaging treasures and burning buildings. Many of these looted works ended up in European museums.

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July 30, 2022

Discover the History Behind the Obelisk, the Ancient Precursor to the Skyscraper

Before there was the skyscraper, ancient builders created the original tall, imposing structure: the obelisk. With origins in ancient Egypt, these four-sided structures were typically erected in commemoration of the rulers and spread in popularity across the ancient world— including ancient Rome and Assyria. Even after the end of these civilizations, the obelisk continued to be a popular monument for its striking yet simple design.

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My Modern Met

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