Art History

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July 5, 2020

Explore How Neo-Expressionism Revolutionized Contemporary Figurative Painting

At the start of the 20th century, Expressionism turned the art world on its head. Spearheaded by German artists aiming to distort reality and “express” emotion, this modernist movement called for bright colors, bold brushstrokes, and energetic compositions. While Expressionism's popularity waned by 1920, it has since sparked several styles and genres, with the Neo-Expressionists—a pack of daring artists—leading the charge.

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July 4, 2020

Symbolism: A Meaningful Approach to Turn-Of-The-Century Poetry and Painting

In 1886, Greek writer and art critic Jean Moréas published a manifesto on Symbolism.

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July 3, 2020

Learn the Fascinating Story Behind ‘Ophelia,’ an Iconic Pre-Raphaelite Painting

In 1848, a secret society of artists took root in Victorian England.

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June 30, 2020

8 Interesting Facts About Raphael, Master of the Italian Renaissance

When listing famous Renaissance artists, it's impossible not to think of Raphael. He was a child prodigy brought to Rome in his mid-20s by the pope and trusted with painting some of the Vatican's most important rooms. From oil paintings and frescos to tapestries to architecture, Raphael was an artist who mastered anything that was thrown his way.

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June 28, 2020

Learn the Remarkable History of Michelangelo’s ‘Dying Slave’ and ‘Rebellious Slave’ Sculptures

During the Renaissance, Michelangelo made a name for himself as a master of humanist sculpture.

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June 26, 2020

7 Spirited Works of Art Sparked by Revolution

In 1830, French artist Eugène Delacroix described an ambitious new project in a letter to his brother.

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June 20, 2020

Get a Handy Look at the History of Traditional Chinese Folding Fans

If you’ve ever spent time in China during the summer, you probably recall seeing people on the streets waving their handheld fans in an attempt to beat the heat. But the traditional Chinese folding fan is not just a tool for cooling down. It's an important part of the Chinese culture that has over 3,000 years of history.

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June 16, 2020

The History of the Color Green: From a Poisonous Pigment to a Symbol of Environmentalism

Every color has a story and the color green is no different. Today, it's most commonly associated with nature.

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June 14, 2020

Get a Glimmering Glimpse Into the ‘Très Riches Heures,’ an Enchanting Medieval Manuscript

In the Middle Ages, religious worship reached heavenly new heights with the advent of the illuminated manuscript.

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June 8, 2020

Learn How the ‘Federal Art Project’ Gave American Artists Hope During the Great Depression

In 1932, at the height of the Great Depression, American morale was at an all-time low. Reeling from the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange three years prior, the country was in crisis as fifteen million people—roughly a quarter of the country's wage-earners—were out of work.

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