Latest Stories

Our growing archive of info about art, design, and culture.

  • Biography: József Rippl-Rónai

    Biography: József Rippl-Rónai

    József Rippl-Rónai (1861–1927) was a Hungarian painter and one of the most influential figures in Hungarian art at the turn of the 20th century. He played a key role in the development…

  • Inspiration: “Crying Spider,” by Odilon Redon

    Inspiration: “Crying Spider,” by Odilon Redon

    In the realm of art, where imagination dances with form, Odilon Redon stands as a luminary of symbolism and surrealism. Among his captivating creations, the “Crying Spider” emerges as a masterpiece that…

  • Sturm und Drang Art: Emotion in Creativity

    Sturm und Drang Art: Emotion in Creativity

    Sturm und Drang was more than just a fleeting artistic movement—it was an eruption of raw emotion that challenged the rigid order of the Enlightenment. Emerging in the late 18th century, primarily…

  • The Enduring History of Odalisques in Art

    The Enduring History of Odalisques in Art

    The word “odalisque” comes from the Turkish term odalık, meaning “chambermaid” or servant in a royal harem. In the Ottoman Empire, odalisques were typically young women assigned to serve in the private…

  • Love Story: Marc Chagall and Bella Rosenfeld

    Marc Chagall is known for his dreamlike paintings, which feature vivid colors and mystical imagery. His work often explores themes of love, memory, and identity. One of the most significant influences on…

  • The Horla

    The Horla

    Happy Halloween! Here’s Guy de Maupassant’s “The Horla” to help you celebrate the right way.   May 8. What a lovely day! I have spent all the morning lying on the grass…

  • Biography: Albert Anker

    Biography: Albert Anker

    Albert Anker (1831–1910) was a Swiss painter and illustrator known for his detailed and emotive depictions of everyday life. He was born in Ins, a small town in the canton of Bern,…

  • Love Story: Gustav Klimt and Emilie Flöge

    Gustav Klimt, the renowned Austrian painter, captivated the art world with his vibrant and symbolic works. But behind the shimmering gold leaf and intricate patterns lay a fascinating personal life. At the…

  • Biography: William Blake

    Biography: William Blake

    William Blake (1757–1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker who is now considered one of the most significant figures in the history of both poetry and visual arts. He was born…

  • The History of Art in Galway

    The History of Art in Galway

    Galway has long thrived on its margins. Perched on the western edge of Ireland where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic, it is a city shaped by tides—both literal and cultural. While…