Art History

June 19, 2021

5 Famous Beach Paintings From Art History That Capture Serene Summer Days

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for artists, but the beach is a particularly recurrent theme throughout art history. The French Impressionists of the 19th century were famous for taking their easel and paints outdoors to paint en plein air, but the artists that came after them continued to depict natural environments outside of their studio.

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June 6, 2021

9 Facts About the Pantheon, the Iconic Roman Church That Barely Survived the Dark Ages

The city of Rome is full of ancient buildings and modern churches—including some sites that are both. Among the most magnificent historical houses of worship is the Pantheon. Built by the Romans likely as a temple or political space, the domed structure continues to fascinate engineers for its gravity-defying signature dome. The Pantheon is also a significant historical landmark that draws lines of continuity from polytheistic Rome through the Dark Ages to Renaissance opulence.

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May 19, 2021

Where to View Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebooks Online for Free

Painter, inventor, and scientist Leonardo da Vinci paved the way in many fields during his lifetime. One of the reasons why historians know so much about the Renaissance Man is because of the numerous notebooks he kept from the 1480s until his death in 1519. Inside these journals, Da Vinci explored the many fields that interested him, including anatomy and physiology, engineering, art, and more.

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May 8, 2021

Exquisite ‘Nature’s Palette’ Book is a Modern Revival of 19th Century Color Theory

Can you close your eyes and picture the color Berlin blue? Most people will not immediately know that among the many shades of blue, Berlin blue is the color of the Hepatica flower or the wings of a blue jay. Over centuries, artists and naturalists alike have shared an interest in the many varied hues to be found in the natural world—from Berlin blue to tile red.

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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.