Latest Stories

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

Ann Charlotte Bartholomew: Art’s Hidden Muse

Ann Charlotte Bartholomew was more than just a figure in the background of 19th-century art—she was a source of inspiration and creativity who played a significant role as a muse to some…
Love Story: Käthe Kollwitz and Karl Kollwitz

Käthe Kollwitz, born on July 8, 1867, in Königsberg, Prussia, is remembered as one of the most influential German artists of the early 20th century. Known for her profound, empathetic works focusing…
20+ Years of Design: The Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way

Here’s the thing nobody tells you when you start out in design: you’re going to be bad at it for a while. And not just, “Oh, I made a small mistake” bad—I’m…
The Glasgow Boys: Scotland’s Pioneers of Modern Art

When you think of Glasgow, you might think of the iconic Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the legendary Celtic vs. Rangers rivalry, and the world-famous Glasgow International Comedy Festival (I think of CHVRCHES—the synth-pop…
Decoding the Strange Symbols in the Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the Qumran caves near the Dead Sea in 1947, are considered one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. They contain some of…
Helena Fourment: The Muse Behind Rubens’ Masterpieces

Throughout history, great artists have drawn inspiration from the people closest to them. For Peter Paul Rubens, the celebrated Flemish Baroque painter, one of his greatest muses was his second wife, Helena…
Westminster Abbey: History, Architecture & Royal Legacy

Westminster Abbey is one of the most revered landmarks in London, playing a central role in British history, religion, and culture. As the site of every coronation since 1066, it has witnessed…
Pont-Aven School: The Art Movement That Transformed Modernism

The Pont-Aven School was an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century in the small village of Pont-Aven, Brittany, France. This movement was characterized by a rejection of Impressionist realism…
The History of Russian Art

Russian art is a reflection of the country’s vast, complex history—an intersection of East and West, tradition and revolution, spirituality and politics. From the mystical Orthodox icons of the medieval period to…
The Altamira Cave Paintings: A Window into Prehistoric Art

The Altamira Cave paintings are among the most significant examples of prehistoric art, providing a glimpse into the creativity and culture of early humans. Located in northern Spain, the cave was first…
The Strange Cases of Insects Trapped in Paintings

Throughout art history, paintings have captured more than just human expression and natural beauty—they’ve also unintentionally preserved remnants of the real world. One of the most fascinating discoveries made by conservators and…
Inspiration: “I And The Village,” by Marc Chagall

Marc Chagall’s I and the Village (1911) stands as one of the most compelling and imaginative paintings of early modernism. A vibrant fusion of personal memory, cultural identity, and avant-garde experimentation, the…