Tiye was a powerful figure, but her royal life was complicated, as demonstrated through this changing statue.
Location City: Berlin
Found in an artist’s studio, this stunning bust exemplifies a change in style, and may have been an early prototype.
Thutmose, Model Bust of Queen Nefertiti
Upon becoming pharaoh, Akhenaten revolutionized the religion and artistic style of Egypt—at least until his death.
House Altar depicting Akhenaten, Nefertiti and Three ...
One of the great myths of jealousy and revenge is carved into this sarcophagus. But why put this story on a coffin?
Medea Sarcophagus
Greek gods battle Giants for supremacy of the universe, so deeply carved that they almost step out into our world.
The Pergamon Altar
An ancient, gnarled tree, not the shepherd at its base, is the protagonist of Friedrich’s landscape.
Caspar David Friedrich, Solitary Tree (or Lone ...
The woman in this painting invites us to share the view out her shuttered window, but leaves us to wonder about her thoughts.
Caspar David Friedrich, Woman at a Window
In this complicated image, Hals investigates madness. The rapidity of his brushwork heightens the viewer’s unease.
Frans Hals, Malle Babbe
A medieval abbey in ruins, within an ancient forest that predates—and will outlast—man’s creations.
Caspar David Friedrich, Abbey in the Oak Forest
Discover the drama of this split second in time, as a centaur flights big cats for his life.
Pair of Centaurs Fighting Cats of Prey ...
Tiles of pie? Spilt porridge? You have to laugh. For all its morality, this painting makes light of human foible.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Dutch Proverbs
The greenery surrounding this couple is lush and exotic, but it’s clear that there’s trouble in paradise.
Édouard Manet, In the Conservatory
This gorgeous painting is rich in color—and with possibility. Can the woman stay sober? Will the man succeed?
Johannes Vermeer, The Glass of Wine
A feather in his cap—this painting shows off the bravura technique and immediacy of action for which Hals is known.
Frans Hals, Singing Boy with Flute
Hooked thumbs, pressing elbows, open mouths—these details lend intimacy and reality to an otherwise formal scene.
Giotto, The Entombment of Mary
This merchant is a man of business, yet as Holbein reminds us, the material world isn’t all there is.
Hans Holbein the Younger, The Merchant Georg Gisze
Who’s that girl? We know so little about this portrait, but mystery only adds to its appeal.
Petrus Christus, Portrait of a Young Woman
Light floods this church from the north. Impossible? That depends on how you see it. To van Eyck, it was visionary.
Jan van Eyck, The Madonna in the ...
A life-size metallic garden at the Qorikancha included these corn cobs, llamas, and other offerings.
Maize cobs
In a century obsessed with conquering nature, Friedrich paints a humble reminder of man’s limitations.