Art History


August 23, 2019

How Caryatids Have Beautifully Blended Sculpture and Architecture Since Ancient Times

When you think of marble statues, what comes to mind? You most likely imagine sculptures of freestanding figures, like the Venus de Milo and David. In addition to these decorative works of art, however, some marble creations are functional, like the ancient caryatid. Part figurative female sculpture and part architectural element, the caryatid has helped creatively carry the weight of buildings for thousands of years.

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August 7, 2019

Tracing the History of Decorative Art, a Genre Where “Form Meets Function”

Today, the word “art” is often associated with genres like drawing, painting, and sculpture. However, in addition to these subgroups (collectively referred to as “fine art”), there exists another important art form: decorative art. Comprising crafts that pair form with function, decorative art has played a pivotal role in the history of art, whether materializing as ancient wares, medieval textiles, or modern furniture.

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July 31, 2019

7 Fascinating Facts About Alexander Calder

In the 1930s, American artist Alexander Calder kicked off a new kind of kinetic sculpture. Known as Mobiles, these pieces explore the capabilities of sculpted works by incorporating free movement—an element evident in both his standing object-mobiles and his hanging suspended mobiles.

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