Article: The True Story of the Monuments Men

Time can be unkind to art, and this was particularly apparent during World War II. Many amazing (and culturally significant) works of art were destroyed in a conflict that leveled cities and destroyed countless lives. Additionally, beyond horrific human cost, World War II was the largest art heist the world has ever seen. Although it… Continue reading Article: The True Story of the Monuments Men

Website: MoMA

decortative image

MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art) is one of the world's premere museums dedicated to modern art. On there website, they have a great deal of information about all styles and kinds of modern art. You can go straight to their "Art and Artists" section or search for something particular, but if you are researching… Continue reading Website: MoMA

Website: Music Wave

Whether you are interested in studying music history, playing an instrument, or finding out about the latest music app, Music Wave may have what you are looking for. They have a wide variety of information on music history, music styles, and contemporary musical concerns. In particular, their Blog section is divided into themes for easy… Continue reading Website: Music Wave

Article: Lost Vorticist Masterpiece Found Hidden Beneath Another Painting

decorative image

There are many paintings that have been lost to time. Sometimes the art world is lucky enough to get one of them back--or at least to find out what happened to it. This article discusses the case of a painting (this one by English avant-guard artist Helen Saunders) that was found underneath another painting during… Continue reading Article: Lost Vorticist Masterpiece Found Hidden Beneath Another Painting

Article: Creating a Full Palette of Blues

Color is an essential part of art, and blue is a color that is both commonly used and important. In this article from Smithsonian Magazine, they discuss the discovery of the source of Cobalt Blue, as well as the creation of Prussian Blue. The development of these colors for artistic uses increased the variety of… Continue reading Article: Creating a Full Palette of Blues

Website: Lost Plays Database

decorative image

Did you know that humanity has lost much of our literature through history? The Lost Plays Database discusses the dramatic losses from English theater in the Renaissance (specifically 1570-1642). It's a solid research tool and a source of a lot of interesting information on the plays that have been lost from that period. link to… Continue reading Website: Lost Plays Database

Article: Gone, But Not Forgotten: 12 Great Mystery Authors Readers Still Love

magnifying glass and book

Do you like mysteries? Are you looking for a good book? If your answer is yes, you may find this list helpful. Mysteries, detective fiction, and crime stories have long entertained armchair sleuths around the world. If this is a subject that interests you, this is a good place to start. link to Gone, But… Continue reading Article: Gone, But Not Forgotten: 12 Great Mystery Authors Readers Still Love

Article: After More Than 150 Years, Sculptor Edmonia Lewis Finally Gets Her Degree

Lewis, Edmonia-Hiawatha, 1868

Sculptress Edmonia Lewis created amazing works despite the racism and sexism prevalent in the art world of the 19th Century. This article from Smithsonian Magazine details the challenges she faced in getting her college degree, and her college is now trying to at least partially right a wrong that was made more than 150 years… Continue reading Article: After More Than 150 Years, Sculptor Edmonia Lewis Finally Gets Her Degree

Article: The Redemption of Rosa Bonheur

Bonheur, Rosa-The Horse Fair, 1852-1855

Rosa Bonheur was a remarkable 19th Century French artist. She specialized in realistic depictions of animals, and her art was celebrated around the world. Unfortunately, her art has been largely forgotten in her home of France. This article from Smithsonian Magazine discusses efforts to rediscover her art and career. link to The Redemption of Rosa… Continue reading Article: The Redemption of Rosa Bonheur

Article: Why Were Medieval Knights Always Fighting Snails?

decorative image

Have you ever doodled in the margins of something you're writing? If so, then Medieval snail fights might interest you--yes, I said snails. The knight vs. snail motif is a recurring one in the margins of Medieval manuscripts, and researchers have yet to figure out why. However, this article from Smithsonian Magazine gives an interesting… Continue reading Article: Why Were Medieval Knights Always Fighting Snails?

Article: Scientists Recreate Cleopatra’s Favorite Perfume

decorative image

What did the past smell like? This is a question that this article from Smithsonian Magazine tries to address. While it focusses on the attempts to recreate Cleopatra's perfume, it also talks about the importance of scent to culture and ways that we might recapture the scents of the past. link to Scientists Recreate Cleopatra's… Continue reading Article: Scientists Recreate Cleopatra’s Favorite Perfume