Art History
May 3, 2020

How Henri Rousseau Became the Untrained Master of Surreal Jungle-Inspired Paintings

Many famous artists from history were unappreciated in their time, but French post-impressionist painter Henri Rousseau was particularly mocked by critics for his “childlike” compositions. The self-taught naïve artist became best-known for his lush jungle scenes—despite having never left France or seen a jungle first-hand. Instead, his now-iconic paintings were inspired by children's books as well as the zoo and botanical gardens of Paris.   Who Was Henri Rousseau?

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Travel
May 1, 2020

Giant Fire Pit in Desert Known as “Gates of Hell” Has Been Burning for Over 50 Years

Deep in the heart of Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert, a fiery crater glows day and night. Known colloquially as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, this fire pit has been burning continuously for over 50 years. So what is this crater filled with fire and how did it end up in the desert? For those answers, we need to look back to Turkmenistan's history.

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Renaissance Art
April 30, 2020

Learn How Donatello’s ‘David’ Statue Paved the Way for Sculptors in the Renaissance

The biblical character of David was a highly popular subject in Renaissance art, perhaps made most famous by Michelangelo's marble interpretation. Before him, however, the Florentine sculptor Donatello (c. 1386-1466) created an evocative bronze-cast representation of David that stands apart from its successors. The metal depiction shows the young shepherd boy after he has already slain the opponent Goliath and is stepping on the enemy's decapitated head.

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Gift Guide
April 30, 2020

25 of the Best Mother’s Day Gifts You Can Only Find on Etsy

The hustle and bustle of modern life can be a challenge on the best days, but living far apart has added a new meaning to “quality family time.” So for Mother’s Day on May 11th (in the United States), they deserve something extra special. Etsy is the place to go for unique gifts, and they've got something for all of the most important women in your life—whether it’s your mom, mother-in-law, aunt, sister, or grandma.

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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.