The Museum of Modern Art
When this portrait of the artist’s friend went on display, it was lampooned by the press. Incomprehensible!
Constantin Brancusi, Mlle Pogany
Why did Delaunay date this painting 1912 when it was actually made in 1913?
Robert Delaunay, Simultaneous Contrasts: Sun and Moon
Léger’s rough paint and unfinished canvas ensure we won’t forget we’re looking at a painting.
Fernand Léger, Contrast of Forms
Kandinsky’s work of “total art” combines both abstract and representational images with rhythmic, mystical poetry.
Vasily Kandinsky, Klänge (Sounds)
In a series of multicolored prints, Nolde captured the awkward experience of watching a couple fight in public.
Emil Nolde, Young Couple
Kirchner’s claustrophobic city scene reflects on a culture where everything is for sale.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Street, Berlin
When Matisse painted this, all the cool kids were into cubist geometry—and Matisse was definitely cool.
Henri Matisse, The Blue Window
Inspired by the sheen of ancient Roman and Syrian glass, Tiffany created startling, modern objects.
Louis Comfort Tiffany, Vase
Bakst loved this character from Russian folklore, and made a drawing influenced by Cubism and Parisian aesthetics.
Léon Bakst, “Costume design for the ballet ...
Lithography was invented in 1796 in Germany.
Lithography process
It's a good thing water and oil don't mix.
Introduction to lithography
Intaglio prints can be etchings, engravings, drypoints, aquatints, or mezzotints.
Intaglio process
In this printmaking technique, the image is incised into the flat surface of a plate.
Introduction to intaglio
No press required! Watch as a woodblock and a linoleum sheet are cut, prepared, inked, and printed.
Relief process
Using a raised image covered in ink, this is the earliest and most accessible form of printmaking.
Introduction to relief printmaking
What’s the difference between relief and intaglio? How are lithographs made?
Introduction to printmaking
Was this frame too light, or too heavy? Who chose its color? The framers at MoMA’s in-house woodshop took a look.
Framing Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth
Sometimes, painters scrub the surface of a canvas to dissolve paint they’ve already applied to it.
Art Terms in Action: Turpentine Burn
Typically used to mix paint, these knives have also been used to apply paint to a canvas—or even to scrape it off.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
