A brief introduction to learning to "Look at this!"
Just published
Gordon Matta-Clark’s interventions explored modernist architecture and urban decay.
Gordon Matta-Clark, Splitting
Bernardo Bitti's painting at the Church of San Pedro in Lima shows that the Renaissance was a global event.
Bernardo Bitti, Coronation of the Virgin
The emperor's terracotta army was intended to demonstrate his power in this life, and to extend it into the world of the dead.
Power: spotlight — The Terracotta Army of ...
A site of miraculous healing, the sanctuary in Congonhas has been filled with the prayers of pilgrims since the 18th century.
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos of ...
From the earliest of history to the modern period, works of art and architecture have been designed to convey the power of rulers.
Power: comparisons and connections
Introducing a lavish altarpiece with vibrant images. Exploring the narrative and visual threads that connect its featured stories.
Fit for a duke: Broederlam’s Crucifixion Altarpiece
A panel with a Griffin (a lion and an eagle — the king of birds and the king of animals — combined).
Byzantine Griffin Panel
A sumptuous silver and gold chalice starring a youthful Christ, a saint slaying a dragon (could it be George?), and more.
A chalise from the Attarouthi Treasure
Volcanos, storms, the wrath of God, and the pleasures of love...
Nature: comparisons and connections
Nature is often used as a metaphor for all elements of our world—natural and human.
Nature: spotlight — Sesshu Toyo’s Winter Landscape
In history classes, we often hear about renaissance men: Cosimo de’ Medici, Leonardo da Vinci, and Niccolò Machiavelli. Where were the women?
Renaissance woman: Isabella d’Este
The great goddess Durga slays the buffalo demon Mahishasura in a 7th century rock-cut temple in Mamallapuram, India.
Durga Slays the Buffalo Demon at Mamallapuram
An imperial surprise: staging Europe in China
The European Palaces of the Qianlong Emperor, ...
An introduction to the diverse cultures of Asia and their intersecting histories
A brief history of the cultures of ...
Humans have imagined concepts of the supernatural from our earliest moments.
Religion: comparisons and connections
The most recognizable prehistoric works of art are cave paintings—often located deep within narrow passageways and larger caverns.
Religion: spotlight — Chauvet cave
An interpretation of the city's colossal skyscrapers
The City at night, Joseph Stella’s The ...
In 2018, .004% of the US budget went to the National Endowment for the Arts.
Should Art Be Publicly Funded?
There is a huge range of ways that gender has been understood and represented in the history of art.