Art History

May 17, 2020

Learn About Masaccio, the Italian Renaissance Painter With a Short Life but Long Legacy

The Italian Renaissance—which produced artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Titian—was one of the most defining periods of art history. This cultural movement took place between the 14th and 17th centuries and is commonly divided into three periods: Early, High, and Late Renaissance. The Early Renaissance, also known as the quattrocento, took place in the 14th century. It was a largely transitional time, during which artists like Brunelleschi (1377-1446) and Giotto (c.1267-1337)

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May 9, 2020

Tracing the Glistening History of Glass Making From Ancient Beads to Contemporary Art

For thousands of years, artisans have explored the endless possibilities offered by glass. Spanning time and place, the ancient practice of glassmaking remains one of the world's most prevalent art forms. Together, with its versatility, it is this timelessness that has solidified the importance of glassmaking in the history of art. Have you ever wondered how this whimsical art form has evolved?

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April 26, 2020

The Raw, Grotesque, and Honest Post-War Paintings of Francis Bacon

As an artist that emerged in the aftermath of World War II, Francis Bacon explored feelings like pain, fear, and anger in his paintings. It was his intention to create art that reflected raw and honest emotion. His intense, grotesque style portrayed animal-like forms that veered on the alien, as well as distressed human figures often screaming in pain or horror.

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April 4, 2020

The History of the Prestigious Paris Salon (And the Radical Artists Who Subverted It)

In 1874, several artists based in Paris banded together to hold an independent art show. Later known as the Impressionists, these figures took it upon themselves to present their own paintings, prints, and sculptures, bypassing an external selection process. Today, this may seem like standard practice. In 19th-century France, however, it was considered a radical move, as it subverted the Salon. At this time, the Salon served as Paris' premier art exhibition.

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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.