Virtually explore the LACMA with Smarthistory as your guide
Some background
videos + essays
Sebastião Salgado’s Kuwait
Finding heroism amidst one of the earth's most destructive environmental disasters
Roger Minick, Woman with Scarf at Inspiration Point, Yosemite National Park
The majesty of Yosemite National Park—with Roger Minick and the woman with the scarf.
Stéphane Couturier, Fenetre, Eastlake Greens, San Diego
Building the American dream in the California desert.
Carleton Watkins, Eagle Creek, Columbia River
Business or pleasure? Carlton Watkins could photograph both beautifully.
Miguel González, The Virgin of Guadalupe
The original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was miraculously produced—this mother-of-pearl version was man-made.
Paul Gauguin, The Red Cow
Cropped figures, vivid hues, and unnatural light turn a humdrum pastoral scene into an act of aesthetic rebellion.
René Magritte, The Treachery of Images (Ceci n’est pas une pipe)
This painting claims it is not a pipe… so what is it?
Alfred Stieglitz, The Steerage
Though this photograph could be seen as a searing social commentary, its maker preferred to view it as fine art.
The Ardabil Carpet
This wool carpet was woven for a shrine. Its dense design contains geometric patterns, floral motifs—and two lamps.
