Our growing archive of info about art, design, and culture.
When it comes to historical villains, few have sparked as much fear and fascination as the Thuggee cult. This underground society of criminals, whose name gave rise to the word “thug,” is…
Sir William Russell Flint (1880–1969) was a Scottish artist known for his watercolor paintings, illustrations, and etchings. He was particularly renowned for his depictions of elegant and sensuous female figures, often set…
Vallotton was born into a conservative middle-class family in Lausanne, the third of four children. His father owned a pharmacy, and later purchased a chocolate factory. His mother, Emma, was the daughter of…
The Lyon Massacre was one of the bloodiest episodes of the French Revolution, taking place between August 1793 and early 1794. During this period, the city of Lyon—France’s second-largest city and a…
Albert Edelfelt’s “Nainen Savuke Kädessä” (Woman with a Cigarette) is a fascinating piece that delves into the realms of cultural norms, gender roles, and artistic innovation at the turn of the 20th…
Tailypo is one of the most chilling folktales to emerge from the American South, especially the Appalachian region. It’s a story passed down orally for generations, with variants appearing across Southeastern Ohio,…
The Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze stands as one of the most prestigious art institutions in Italy, embodying centuries of artistic tradition and innovation. Nestled in the heart of Florence, this…
Frederic Remington (1861–1909) was an American artist, illustrator, sculptor, and writer, best known for his depictions of the American West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on October 4,…
Martin Johnson Heade was not a famous artist during his time, and for much of the first part of the 20th century was nearly forgotten. A re-awakening of interest in 19th-century American art…
Laurits Andersen Ring (1854–1933) was a Danish painter associated with the Skagen Painters, a group of artists who gathered in the northernmost part of Denmark during the late 19th and early 20th…
Charles Leickert (1816-1907) was a Belgian-born, Dutch landscape painter known for his beautiful and skillfully executed depictions of landscapes, particularly winter scenes, and Dutch countryside. He was active during the 19th century…
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, occupies a distinct position in Australia’s artistic ecosystem. Often overshadowed by the larger and more internationally recognized cultural centres of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane has nonetheless developed…