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…
Latest Stories
Our growing archive of info about art, design, and culture.
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,…
Inspiration: “The Battle of Alexander at Issus,” by Albrecht Altdorfer
Albrecht Altdorfer, a prominent figure of the German Renaissance, is renowned for his vivid and imaginative paintings that masterfully blend history with the beauty of the natural world. Among his most famous…
Ohio: The History of its Art
Long before Ohio was surveyed, settled, or even named, it was already a landscape of monumental design. Across its hills and floodplains, a network of earthworks rose from the soil—curving, geometric, and…
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
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…
Inspiration: “The Apple Gatherer,” by Helen McNicoll
McNicoll was born in Toronto to an affluent family. Her parents were David McNicoll and Emily Pashley. McNicoll became deaf in early childhood due to scarlet fever, and as a result, focused her energies on playing…
Eagles in Heraldry and Neoclassical Design
The eagle has been a symbol of authority and high vision since the ancient world. Roman artists carved eagles into triumphal arches, military standards, and imperial furniture to signal command, discipline, and…
Biography: Władysław Czachórski
Władysław Czachórski (1850-1911) was a Polish-born artist who gained recognition as a prominent figure in the academic art world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for his…
Biography: William-Adolphe Bouguereau
William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) was a highly regarded French academic painter who achieved great success and acclaim during the 19th century. He is best known for his meticulously crafted, highly detailed, and emotionally…
Biography: Jules Bastien-Lepage
Jules Bastien-Lepage (1848–1884) was a French painter known for his naturalistic and rural-themed works. He was born in Damvillers, a small village in northeastern France. Bastien-Lepage’s artistic talent was evident from a…
