History

October 5, 2024

Exhibition Sheds Light on Leonardo da Vinci’s Perfume Passion

Experiencing the past through art is a common pastime. Millions of visitors flock to the world's top museums each year, observing paintings and sculptures that embody the experiences of their creators across time. A painting or sculpture is a visual medium, and Leonardo da Vinci excelled in this area. The Renaissance genius‘s visual masterpieces have awed and inspired for generations. However, few know that da Vinci was also a connoisseur of smell.

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September 22, 2024

17th-Century Executioner’s Sword Features a Revealing Inscription

Swords are among the coolest historical items, captivating a lot of people due to their powerful nature. However, not all swords were used in combat. Some had a darker mission—such as executions. This purpose inspired blacksmiths and executioners to lighten the load with the help of motifs and legends embedded into the design. One such example is a 17th-century executioner's sword in the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

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September 19, 2024

The Earliest Successful Attempts at Photography Just Turned 200 Years Old

The oldest known photography was taken in 1826 or 1827 by French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. The image, titled View from the Window at Le Gras, shows some roofs and the neighboring countryside. However, just because this is the oldest surviving photograph, doesn't mean it was the first one that was ever taken. By looking at further evidence, it may just turn out that photography is already 200 years old.

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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.