From the elements of art to the great goddess Durga — Smarthistory is adding new content every week.
Prehistoric to contemporary
videos + essays
A Mamluk candlestick base
Mamluk sultan al-Nasir Muhammad's candlestick base exemplifies a new visual language of power that emerged in 14th-century Egypt and Syria.
Timur’s entry into Samarkand, page from the Zafarnama
Timur's equestrian image would have been the most recognizable embodiment of his royal legacy in the Zafarnama.
Reliquary set offered by Yi Seonggye (King Taejo of the Joseon dynasty)
Enshrined by Yi Seonggye, founder of the Joseon dynasty, this sarira reliquary set bridges the art of the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods
Crown ornaments from the Tomb of King Muryeong
These gold crown ornaments are among the 4,600 artifacts recovered during the excavation of King Muryeong's Tomb
Dangling pendants for gold crowns
In the Silla period, individuals with the highest status were buried wearing gold crowns adorned with dangling pendants
Northern Northwest Coast Art
Indigenous peoples on the Northwest Coast created one of the world's great art traditions, renowned for its monumental poles, its complex two-dimensional design system, advanced weaving techniques, and literary wealth.
African American art and social justice
This chapter addresses how slavery continues to resonate in contemporary African American art and how it is connected to social justice movements.
Jeogui: the most formal ceremonial robe of the Joseon queens
Decorated with pheasants and flower motifs, the jeogui was worn by Joseon queens on the most formal occasions
Portrait of Yi Haeung, Regent Heungseon Daewongun
The metallic sheen of the official hat, the harmony between the bright red and navy blue colors, and the ornate straw mats convey a degree of extravagance in the Portrait of Yi Haeung
A dream of Italy: Black artists and travel in the nineteenth century
Created as the Civil War was coming to an end but at a time when all Americans were not yet equal citizens, this painting invokes an idealized landscape, with references to both past and present.
Adel Abidin, Memorial
In 3-minute video work, contemporary Iraqi artist Adel Abidin uses computer generated imagery to narrate a poignant story of a stranded cow, that captures a day during the first Gulf War in 1991.
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