We believe art has the power to transform lives and to build understanding across cultures. The brilliant histories of art belong to everyone, no matter their background.
With 503 contributors from 201 colleges, universities, museums, and research centers, Smarthistory is the most-visited art history resource in the world.
We created Smarthistory to provide students around the world with the highest-quality educational resources for art and cultural heritage—for free.
Artists > Jacob Riis
Danish-born American Riis was a self-taught photographer, becoming a journalist and advocating for the reform of New York’s slums through his work.
c. 1890
Your donations help make art history free and accessible to everyone!