Visiting the Lower East Side in 1905
Location: Brooklyn Museum
Though at first glance this nude seems plucked from classical antiquity, it actually alludes to modern politics.
Hiram Powers, The Greek Slave
Cuzco School paintings came into such high demand that they were exported to patrons residing in far-flung cities located in present-day Chile and Argentina, and even Italy.
Our Lady of Cocharcas and the ...
Judy Chicago's landmark installation gives notable women from history a seat at the table.
Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party
Once painted and gilded, this panel was part of a larger frieze bearing commemorative Kufic inscriptions.
Dado Panel, Courtyard of the Royal Palace ...
Although this vessel depicts a royal Inka couple, it was produced after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
Keru Vessel
Wiley wryly places himself alongside the great master painters of history with his reimagined Napoleon.
Kehinde Wiley, Napoleon Leading the Army over ...
Japanese objects came through Mexico on their way to Spain, and had a lasting impact on the arts of the New World.
Screen with the Siege of Belgrade and ...
Long before the advent of cell phones and social media, the Luba had invented their own handheld memory device.
Lukasa (Memory Board) (Luba peoples)
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George Bellows, Pennsylvania Station Excavation
The Mende initiation rite for young women is the only known masquerade tradition where the mask-wearers are female.
Bundu / Sowei Helmet Mask (Mende peoples)
The austere display of this powerful object masks the complexity of its original context.
Elephant Mask (Bamileke Peoples)
These figures look calm and contemplative, but also display real strength and vitality in their muscular forms.
Female Reliquary Guardian Figure (Fang peoples)—video
The king did not sit for this portrait; in fact, the artist carved it without directly observing his subject.
Ndop Portrait of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul ...
Mutu uses collage as a medium for exploring being African and female.
Wangechi Mutu, Preying Mantra
Johnson’s moving painting of a family fleeing slavery places the courage of African-Americans center stage.
Eastman Johnson, A Ride for Liberty — ...
Coachella style has perpetuated stereotypes—but war bonnets have important cultural and spiritual significance.
Feathered war bonnet
Genealogical Inka portraits like these were banned by the Spanish who feared they would inspire uprisings.
Fourteen portraits of the Inka Kings
Joseph plays a bit part in earlier depictions but has an important supporting role in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Cusco School Artist, Saint Joseph and the ...
This nearly 2000-year-old old textile survives thanks to the arid environment of southern Peru where it was buried.