Art History

January 24, 2019

Exquisite 19th-Century Sculpture Cloaked in a “Translucent” Marble Veil

For millennia, sculptors have worked in marble, a medium favored for its softness and translucence. These characteristics make the metamorphic rock particularly suited for pieces requiring intricate detail, including anatomical subtleties and flowing drapery. One sculpture that perfectly illustrates both of these instances is The Veiled Virgin, a 19th-century work by Italian sculptor Giovanni Strazza.   The Veiled Virgin Little is known about the creation of The Veiled Virgin.

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January 9, 2019

All About ‘Laocoön and His Sons’: A Marble Masterpiece From the Hellenistic Period

During ancient Greece's Hellenistic Period, sculptors took their classical craft to new levels. Renowned for expressive figures that appear to be in motion, this era saw the creation of three of the world's most famous marble sculptures: The Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Laocoön and His Sons. Since its 16th century excavation, Laocoön and His Sons has attracted archaeologists and art lovers alike.

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December 3, 2018

Brutalism: What Is It and Why Is It Making a Comeback?

They say that trends are circular and what’s old becomes new again. This is true for fashion, music, and art. In the case of architecture, there’s no architectural style that exemplifies this principle better than Brutalism. From the mid-20th century, this style rose in popularity before reaching its peak in the mid-1970s, when it came crashing down as a model of bad taste.

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November 23, 2018

This Armless Sculpture Is One of the Louvre’s Most Treasured Masterpieces

It’s no secret that the Louvre museum has one of the world’s most stunning collections of art. In addition to the Mona Lisa and an entire Michelangelo Gallery, the major museum also excels in antiquities, with gems that include the Great Sphinx, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, also known as Nike of Samothrace.

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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.