Animals
August 10, 2020

Woman Finds Gorgeous ‘Flower Mantis’ Living in Her Garden

On a September day in South Africa, Margaret Neville made a fascinating discovery in her back garden. Resting among her lavender bushes was a flower mantis, a type of praying mantis which has evolved to appear incredibly “floral” as a method of camouflage. The particular flower mantis found by Neville is a female with a large swirl pattern on her back and protrusions that look like lavender buds along her legs.

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History
August 9, 2020

19th-Century Japanese Fireman Coats Feature Stunning Scenes on the Inside

During Japan's Edo Period (1603-1868) firefighters were responsible for stopping blazes before the flames ran rampant through a city's wooden buildings. Many stunning examples of firemen's coats (called hikeshi banten) have survived from the nineteenth century. On the outside, these long coats function similar to modern firefighter uniforms by identifying the wearer with their fire brigade. However, the insides of the coat were decorated in elaborate scenes of strength and heroism drawn from Japanese legends.

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Ancient Art
August 8, 2020

Unearthing the Importance of the Life-Sized Terracotta Warriors

Today, the unexpected unearthing of the Terracotta Army—a hoard of legendary, life-sized clay soldiers intended to fill an emperor's elaborate mausoleum—is renowned as one of the world's greatest archaeological events. Discovered in northwestern China and dating back to its first dynasty, the ceramic figures have shed light on the country's ancient artistic practices and age-old burial rituals.

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Drawing
August 8, 2020

Illustrator Documents the Things She Discovers During Her Outdoor Adventures

Many artists find inspiration in the diverse beauty of the environment. UK-based illustrator Jo Brown documents the discoveries she makes during outdoor excursions in her colorful Nature Journals. Each notebook spread contains exquisite drawings and notes of plants and animals that she sees in the Devon countryside. What makes her Nature Journals particularly eye-catching is the way Brown utilizes the entire page for her full-bleed illustrations.

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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.