Inspiration: “Café Terrace at Night,” by Vincent van Gogh
IntroductionVincent van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night is one of the most iconic and beloved paintings of the 19th century. Created in September 1888 in the French town of Arles, the artwork…
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How Trade Routes Influenced Art in the Ancient World
Trade routes have long served as conduits for more than just goods and commodities; they also facilitated the exchange of artistic styles, materials, and techniques. Across the ancient world, civilizations flourished due…
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Manchester Art School: A Creative Powerhouse
Manchester Art School, now part of Manchester Metropolitan University, has played a pivotal role in the evolution of British art and design education. From its humble beginnings in the 19th century to…
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Inspiration: “Luncheon at the Boating Party” by Pierre-auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Luncheon at the Boating Party (1881) is one of the most celebrated paintings of the Impressionist movement. It captures a lively gathering of friends enjoying food, wine, and conversation on…
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Pareidolia and Art: How Our Minds See What’s Not There
Pareidolia is a psychological phenomenon in which people perceive familiar patterns—such as faces, animals, or objects—in random stimuli. This could be as simple as seeing a face in the clouds, an animal…
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The Architecture of Prague Castle: A Timeless Masterpiece
Prague Castle is one of the most breathtaking and historically significant landmarks in Europe. Standing proudly above the Vltava River, this sprawling architectural complex has been the seat of Czech rulers for…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
