Art History

May 15, 2022

Who Was Georges Seurat? Learn About the French Artist Who Invented Pointillism

By the late 1800s, art had changed drastically. Instead of subjecting themselves to the ideals set by the Paris Salon, radical artists began creating and exhibiting rejected paintings that captured fleeting moments. These artists—who would become known as the Impressionists—fueled a wave of innovation in their contemporaries. One of these figures was Georges Seurat, who is credited with pioneering the Pointillist style.

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May 14, 2022

10 Facts To Savor About Van Gogh’s Iconic Painting ‘Café Terrace at Night’

In 1888, Vincent van Gogh exchanged the electric nightlife of Paris for the tranquility of the French countryside. There, in Arles, the Dutch artist flourished creatively, even as his mental health declined. He created 200 paintings and over 100 drawings inspired by the idyllic landscape, local people, and charming towns. Among the many iconic works that emerged from this year in Arles was the masterpiece, Café Terrace at Night.

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April 28, 2022

Stunning Examples of Calligraphy on Dried Leaves by the Ottoman Turks

Arabic calligraphy is known for its beautiful, artistic lines; but, in Ottoman Turkey, calligraphers really took things to a whole new level. Over the course of 500 years, the Ottoman Turks perfected many different script styles and elevated the art form. Recently, Bayt Al Fann, an online art platform celebrating Islamic art, called attention to a unique canvas used for such calligraphy—a dried leaf.

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April 10, 2022

You Can Now Explore All of ‘The Book of Kells’ for Free Online

When people think of Ireland, the rolling green hills, Guinness beer, and twisted Celtic knots might be what comes to mind. The small island nation has a storied history of resistance to oppression and perseverance through famine, but the most iconic piece of Irish history dates to the early medieval period. The Book of Kells—held in the library of Trinity College Dublin—is a masterpiece of medieval illumination and manuscript craft.

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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.