Apollo 11 Stones
Nambia. c. 25000-25300 B.C.E. Charcoal on stone
The earliest history of rock painting and engraving arts in Africa. The oldest known of any kind from the African continent.
Nambia. c. 25000-25300 B.C.E. Charcoal on stone
The earliest history of rock painting and engraving arts in Africa. The oldest known of any kind from the African continent.
Great Hall of Bulls
Lascaux, France. Paleolithic Europe. 15000-13000 B.C.E. Rock Painting
represents the earliest surviving examples of the artistic expression of early people. Shows a twisted perspective.
Lascaux, France. Paleolithic Europe. 15000-13000 B.C.E. Rock Painting
represents the earliest surviving examples of the artistic expression of early people. Shows a twisted perspective.
Camelid sacrum in the shape of a canine
Tequixquiac, central Mexico. 14000-7000 B.C.E. Bone.
The shape was created by using subtractive techniques and utilizing already apparent features in the bone, like the holes for eyes. It was a first look at how people began manipulating their environment to created what they wanted.
Tequixquiac, central Mexico. 14000-7000 B.C.E. Bone.
The shape was created by using subtractive techniques and utilizing already apparent features in the bone, like the holes for eyes. It was a first look at how people began manipulating their environment to created what they wanted.
Running horned women
Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria. 6000-4000 B.C.E. Pigment on rock.
The painting shows great contrast between the dark and light mediums used. There is also great detail put into the decorations of the woman. Most interestingly, though, there is a transparency to the larger woman and the figures behind her show through.
Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria. 6000-4000 B.C.E. Pigment on rock.
The painting shows great contrast between the dark and light mediums used. There is also great detail put into the decorations of the woman. Most interestingly, though, there is a transparency to the larger woman and the figures behind her show through.
Beaker with ibex motifs
Susan, Iran. 4200-3500 B.C.E. Painted terra cotta.
One of the first ceramic pieces, made from clay and intricately designed with mineral and plant paint in painstaking detail. The vessel portrays a Ibex, a type of goat native to the area, and also canine figures along the rim. At the time, dogs were used to hunt animals like Ibexes. The painting might have been done with small brushes made from plant material or human or animal hair
Susan, Iran. 4200-3500 B.C.E. Painted terra cotta.
One of the first ceramic pieces, made from clay and intricately designed with mineral and plant paint in painstaking detail. The vessel portrays a Ibex, a type of goat native to the area, and also canine figures along the rim. At the time, dogs were used to hunt animals like Ibexes. The painting might have been done with small brushes made from plant material or human or animal hair
Anthropomorphic stele
Arabian Peninsula. Fourth millennium B.C.E. Sandstone.
Very stylized representation of a human figure, carved from stone. Has a make image and carries knives in sheaths across the chest and a knife tucked into a belt.
Arabian Peninsula. Fourth millennium B.C.E. Sandstone.
Very stylized representation of a human figure, carved from stone. Has a make image and carries knives in sheaths across the chest and a knife tucked into a belt.
Jade cong
Liangzhu, China. 3300-2200 B.C.E. Carved jade.
Like one of many, this was a jade piece with decorative carvings, unique shape, and symbolic purpose. The stone might have held spiritual or symbolic meanings to the early cultures of China.
Liangzhu, China. 3300-2200 B.C.E. Carved jade.
Like one of many, this was a jade piece with decorative carvings, unique shape, and symbolic purpose. The stone might have held spiritual or symbolic meanings to the early cultures of China.
Stonehenge
Wiltshire, U.K. Neolithic Europe. c. 2500-1600 B.C.E. Sandstone
Stonehenge is a famous site know for its large circles of massive stones in a seemingly random location as well as the mystery surrounding how and why it was built. The stones are believed to be from local quarries and farther off mountains. There is also evidence of mud, wood, and ropes assisting in the construction of the site.
Wiltshire, U.K. Neolithic Europe. c. 2500-1600 B.C.E. Sandstone
Stonehenge is a famous site know for its large circles of massive stones in a seemingly random location as well as the mystery surrounding how and why it was built. The stones are believed to be from local quarries and farther off mountains. There is also evidence of mud, wood, and ropes assisting in the construction of the site.
The Ambum Stone
Ambum Valley, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. c. 1500 B.C.E. Greywacke
This is a sculpture of some sort of anteater-like creature made from a very rounded stone. With intense use of subtractive sculpting, this piece achieves a freestanding neck and head while still maintaining much of the original shape of the stone. It still uses natural materials and depicts a natural animal.
Ambum Valley, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. c. 1500 B.C.E. Greywacke
This is a sculpture of some sort of anteater-like creature made from a very rounded stone. With intense use of subtractive sculpting, this piece achieves a freestanding neck and head while still maintaining much of the original shape of the stone. It still uses natural materials and depicts a natural animal.
Tlatilco female figurine
Central Mexico, site of Tlatico. 1200-900 B.C.E. Ceramic
The piece also stands as foreshadowing of the great civilizations that develop in south and meso-america and the art that is produced.
Central Mexico, site of Tlatico. 1200-900 B.C.E. Ceramic
The piece also stands as foreshadowing of the great civilizations that develop in south and meso-america and the art that is produced.
Terra Cotta Fragment
Lapita. Solomon Islands, Reef Islands. 1000 B.C.E. Terra cotta (incised)
One of the first examples of the Lapita potter’s art, this fragment depicts a human face incorporated into the intricate geometric designs characteristics of the Lapita ceramic tradition.
Lapita. Solomon Islands, Reef Islands. 1000 B.C.E. Terra cotta (incised)
One of the first examples of the Lapita potter’s art, this fragment depicts a human face incorporated into the intricate geometric designs characteristics of the Lapita ceramic tradition.
White Temple and its Zuggurat
Uruk (modern Warka, Iraq). Sumerian. c. 35000-3000 B.C.E. Mud Brick.
Rooms for different functions. Cella (highest room) for high class priests and nobles.
Very geometric (4 corners of structure facing in cardinal directions) Platform stair stepped up
Uruk (modern Warka, Iraq). Sumerian. c. 35000-3000 B.C.E. Mud Brick.
Rooms for different functions. Cella (highest room) for high class priests and nobles.
Very geometric (4 corners of structure facing in cardinal directions) Platform stair stepped up
Palette of King Narmer
Pre-dynastic Egypt. c. 3000-2920 B.C.E Greywacke
Egyptian archelogical find, dating from about the 31st century B.C, containing some of the earliest hieroglyphic inscription ever found.
Pre-dynastic Egypt. c. 3000-2920 B.C.E Greywacke
Egyptian archelogical find, dating from about the 31st century B.C, containing some of the earliest hieroglyphic inscription ever found.
Statue of Votive figures from the Square Temple at Eshnunna
Sumerian. c. 2700 B.C.E. Gypsum inland with shell and black limestone
Surrogate for donor and offers constant prayer to deities. Placed in the Temple facing altar of the state gods
Sumerian. c. 2700 B.C.E. Gypsum inland with shell and black limestone
Surrogate for donor and offers constant prayer to deities. Placed in the Temple facing altar of the state gods
Seated Scribe
Saqqara, Egypt. Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynastic. c. 2620-2500 B.C.E. Painted limestone. the sculpture of the seated scribe is one of them most important examples of ancient Egyptian art because it was one of the rare examples of Egyptian naturalism, as most Egyptian art is highly idealized and very rigid.
Saqqara, Egypt. Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynastic. c. 2620-2500 B.C.E. Painted limestone. the sculpture of the seated scribe is one of them most important examples of ancient Egyptian art because it was one of the rare examples of Egyptian naturalism, as most Egyptian art is highly idealized and very rigid.
Standard of Ur from the royal tombs
Summerian. c. 26000-24000 B.C.E. Wood inlaid with shell, lapis, lazuli, and red limestone.
Found in one of the largest graves in the Royal Cemetery at Ur, lying in the corner of a chamber above a soldier who is believed to have carried it on a long pole as a standard, the royal emblem of a king.
Summerian. c. 26000-24000 B.C.E. Wood inlaid with shell, lapis, lazuli, and red limestone.
Found in one of the largest graves in the Royal Cemetery at Ur, lying in the corner of a chamber above a soldier who is believed to have carried it on a long pole as a standard, the royal emblem of a king.
Great Pyramids (Menkaura, Khafre, Khufu) and Great Sphinx
Giza, Egypt. Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynasty. c. 2550-2490 B.C.E. Cut limestone.
The Great Sphinx is believed to be the most immense stone sculpture ever made by man.
(stone, tombs, statues, animal symbolism)
Giza, Egypt. Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynasty. c. 2550-2490 B.C.E. Cut limestone.
The Great Sphinx is believed to be the most immense stone sculpture ever made by man.
(stone, tombs, statues, animal symbolism)
The code of Hammurabi
Babylon (modern Iran). Susain. c. 1792-1750 B.C.E. Basalt.
In this stone is carved with around 300 laws, the first know set of ruler enforced laws.
(Stone, carved, laws, inscriptions)
Babylon (modern Iran). Susain. c. 1792-1750 B.C.E. Basalt.
In this stone is carved with around 300 laws, the first know set of ruler enforced laws.
(Stone, carved, laws, inscriptions)
Temple of Amun-re and Hypostyle Hall
Karnark, near Luxor, Egypt. New Kingdom, 18th and 19th Dynasties. Temple: c. 1550 B.C.E.; hall: c. 1250 B.C.E. Cut sandstone and mud brick.
The Hypostyle Hall is also the largest and most elaborately decorated of all such buildings in Egypt and the patchwork of artistic styles and different royal names seen in these inscriptions and relief sculptures reflect the different stages at which they were carved over the centuries. As the temple of Amun-re is the largest religious complex in the world.
Karnark, near Luxor, Egypt. New Kingdom, 18th and 19th Dynasties. Temple: c. 1550 B.C.E.; hall: c. 1250 B.C.E. Cut sandstone and mud brick.
The Hypostyle Hall is also the largest and most elaborately decorated of all such buildings in Egypt and the patchwork of artistic styles and different royal names seen in these inscriptions and relief sculptures reflect the different stages at which they were carved over the centuries. As the temple of Amun-re is the largest religious complex in the world.
Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and Three Daughters
New Kingdom (Amarna), 18th Dynasty. c. 1353-1335 B.C.E. Limestone.
This small stele, probably used as a home altar, gives an seldom opportunity to view a scene from the private live of the king and queen.
New Kingdom (Amarna), 18th Dynasty. c. 1353-1335 B.C.E. Limestone.
This small stele, probably used as a home altar, gives an seldom opportunity to view a scene from the private live of the king and queen.
King Menkaura and Queen
Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynasty. c. 2490-2472 B.C.E. Greywacke
Representational, proportional, frontal viewpoint, hierarchical structure.
They were perfectly preserved and nearly life-size. This was the modern world’s first glimpse of one of humankind’s artistic masterworks, the statue of Menkaura and queen.
Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynasty. c. 2490-2472 B.C.E. Greywacke
Representational, proportional, frontal viewpoint, hierarchical structure.
They were perfectly preserved and nearly life-size. This was the modern world’s first glimpse of one of humankind’s artistic masterworks, the statue of Menkaura and queen.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Near Luxor, Egypt. New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty. c. 1473-1458 B.C.E. Sandstone, partially carved into a rock cliff, and red granite.
It sits directly against the rock which forms a natural amphitheater around it so that the temple itself seems to grow from the living rock. Most beautiful of all of the temples of Ancient Egypt.
Near Luxor, Egypt. New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty. c. 1473-1458 B.C.E. Sandstone, partially carved into a rock cliff, and red granite.
It sits directly against the rock which forms a natural amphitheater around it so that the temple itself seems to grow from the living rock. Most beautiful of all of the temples of Ancient Egypt.
Tutankhamun’s Tomb, intermost coffin. New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty. c. 1,323 B.C.E. Gold with inlay of enamel and semiprecious stones.
The kings gold inner coffin, shown above, displays a quality of workmanship and an attention to detail which is unsurpassed. It is a stunning example of the Ancient goldsmith’s art
The kings gold inner coffin, shown above, displays a quality of workmanship and an attention to detail which is unsurpassed. It is a stunning example of the Ancient goldsmith’s art
Last judgement of Hu-Nefer, from his tomb
New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty. c. 1,275 B.C.E. Painted papyrus scroll
In Hu-Nefer’s scroll, the figures have all the formality of stance,shape, and attitude of traditional egyptian art. Abstract figures and hieroglyphs alike are aligned rigidly. Nothing here was painted in the flexible, curvilinear style suggestive of movement that was evident in the art of Amarna and Tutankhamen. The return to conservatism is unmistakable.
New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty. c. 1,275 B.C.E. Painted papyrus scroll
In Hu-Nefer’s scroll, the figures have all the formality of stance,shape, and attitude of traditional egyptian art. Abstract figures and hieroglyphs alike are aligned rigidly. Nothing here was painted in the flexible, curvilinear style suggestive of movement that was evident in the art of Amarna and Tutankhamen. The return to conservatism is unmistakable.
Lamassu from the citadel of Sargon II, Dur Sharrukin
Neo-Assyrian. c. 720-705 B.C.E. Alabaster
The Assyrian lamassu sculptures are partly in the round, but the sculptor nonetheless conceived them as high reliefs on adjacent sides of a corner. The combine the front view of the animal at rest with the side view of it in motion. Seeking to present a complete picture of the lamas from both the front and the side, the sculptor gave the monster five legs- two seen from the front, four seen from the side.
Neo-Assyrian. c. 720-705 B.C.E. Alabaster
The Assyrian lamassu sculptures are partly in the round, but the sculptor nonetheless conceived them as high reliefs on adjacent sides of a corner. The combine the front view of the animal at rest with the side view of it in motion. Seeking to present a complete picture of the lamas from both the front and the side, the sculptor gave the monster five legs- two seen from the front, four seen from the side.
Athenian agora
Archiac through Hellenistic Greek. 600 B.C.E.-150 C.E. Plan
It is the most richly adorned and quality of its sculptural decoration it is surpassed only by the Parthenon. the sculptural decoration and certain sections of the roof were made up of Parian marble.
Archiac through Hellenistic Greek. 600 B.C.E.-150 C.E. Plan
It is the most richly adorned and quality of its sculptural decoration it is surpassed only by the Parthenon. the sculptural decoration and certain sections of the roof were made up of Parian marble.
Anavysos Kouros
Archaic Greek. c. 530 B.C.E. Marble with remnants of paint
Geometric almost abstract forms predominate, and complex anatomical details, such as the chest muscles and pelvic arch, are rendered in beautiful analogous patterns. It exemplifies two important aspects of Archaic Greek art—an interest in lifelike vitality and a concern with design.
Archaic Greek. c. 530 B.C.E. Marble with remnants of paint
Geometric almost abstract forms predominate, and complex anatomical details, such as the chest muscles and pelvic arch, are rendered in beautiful analogous patterns. It exemplifies two important aspects of Archaic Greek art—an interest in lifelike vitality and a concern with design.
Peplos Kore from the Acropolis
Archiac Greek. c. 530 B.C.E. Marble, painted details
Greeks painted their sculptures in bright colors and adorned them with metal jewelry
Archiac Greek. c. 530 B.C.E. Marble, painted details
Greeks painted their sculptures in bright colors and adorned them with metal jewelry
Sarcophagus of the Spouses
Etruscan. c. 520 B.C.E. Terra cotta
The Sarcophagus of the Spouses as an object conveys a great deal of information about Etruscan culture and its customs. The convivial theme of the sarcophagus reflects the funeral customs of Etruscan society and the elite nature of the object itself provides important information about the ways in which funerary custom could reinforce the identity and standing of aristocrats among the community of the living.
Etruscan. c. 520 B.C.E. Terra cotta
The Sarcophagus of the Spouses as an object conveys a great deal of information about Etruscan culture and its customs. The convivial theme of the sarcophagus reflects the funeral customs of Etruscan society and the elite nature of the object itself provides important information about the ways in which funerary custom could reinforce the identity and standing of aristocrats among the community of the living.
Audience Hall of Darius and Xerxes
Persepolis, Iran. Persian. c. 520-465 B.C.E. Limestone
It was the largest building of the complex, supported by numerous columns and lined on three sides with open porches. The palace had a grand hall in the shape of a square, each side 60m long with seventy-two columns, thirteen of which still stand on the enormous platform. Relief artwork, originally painted and sometimes gilded, covered the walls of the Apadana depicting warriors defending the palace complex.
Persepolis, Iran. Persian. c. 520-465 B.C.E. Limestone
It was the largest building of the complex, supported by numerous columns and lined on three sides with open porches. The palace had a grand hall in the shape of a square, each side 60m long with seventy-two columns, thirteen of which still stand on the enormous platform. Relief artwork, originally painted and sometimes gilded, covered the walls of the Apadana depicting warriors defending the palace complex.
Temple of Minerva and sculpture of Apollo
Master sculptor Vulca. c. 510-500 B.C.E. Original temple of wood, mud brick, or tufa; terra cotta sculpture
The Temple of Minerva was a colorful and ornate structure, typically had stone foundations but its wood, mud-brick and terracotta superstructure suffered far more from exposure to the elements.
Apollo Master sculpture was a completely Etruscan innovation to use sculpture in this way, placed at the peak of the temple roof—creating what must have been an impressive tableau against the backdrop of the sky.
Master sculptor Vulca. c. 510-500 B.C.E. Original temple of wood, mud brick, or tufa; terra cotta sculpture
The Temple of Minerva was a colorful and ornate structure, typically had stone foundations but its wood, mud-brick and terracotta superstructure suffered far more from exposure to the elements.
Apollo Master sculpture was a completely Etruscan innovation to use sculpture in this way, placed at the peak of the temple roof—creating what must have been an impressive tableau against the backdrop of the sky.
Tomb of the Triclinium
Tarquinia, Italy. Etruscan. c. 480-470 B.C.E. Tufa and fresco
He considers the artistic quality оf the tomb’s frescoes tо be superior tо those оf mоst оther Etruscan tombs. The tomb іs named after the triclinium, the formal dining room whіch appears іn the frescoes оf the tomb.
Tarquinia, Italy. Etruscan. c. 480-470 B.C.E. Tufa and fresco
He considers the artistic quality оf the tomb’s frescoes tо be superior tо those оf mоst оther Etruscan tombs. The tomb іs named after the triclinium, the formal dining room whіch appears іn the frescoes оf the tomb.
Niobides Krater
Anonymous vase painter of Classical Greece known as the Niobid Painter. c. 460-450 B.C.E. Clay, red-figure technique
By bringing in elements of wall paintings, the painter has given this vase its exceptional character. Wall painting was a major art form that developed considerably during the late fifth century BC, and is now only known to us through written accounts. Complex compositions were perfected, which involved numerous figures placed at different levels. This is the technique we find here where, for the first time on a vase, the traditional isocephalia of the figures has been abandoned.
Anonymous vase painter of Classical Greece known as the Niobid Painter. c. 460-450 B.C.E. Clay, red-figure technique
By bringing in elements of wall paintings, the painter has given this vase its exceptional character. Wall painting was a major art form that developed considerably during the late fifth century BC, and is now only known to us through written accounts. Complex compositions were perfected, which involved numerous figures placed at different levels. This is the technique we find here where, for the first time on a vase, the traditional isocephalia of the figures has been abandoned.
Doryphoros
Polykleitos. Original 450-440 B.C.E. Roman copy (marble) of Greek original (bronze)
Doryphoros was one of the most famous statues in the ancient world and many known Roman copies exist. The original was created in around 450 BC in bronze and was presumably even more tremendous than the known copies that have been unearthed. Doryphoros is also an early example of contrapposto position, a postion which Polykleitos constructed masterfully (Moon).
Polykleitos. Original 450-440 B.C.E. Roman copy (marble) of Greek original (bronze)
Doryphoros was one of the most famous statues in the ancient world and many known Roman copies exist. The original was created in around 450 BC in bronze and was presumably even more tremendous than the known copies that have been unearthed. Doryphoros is also an early example of contrapposto position, a postion which Polykleitos constructed masterfully (Moon).
Acropolis
Athens, Greece. Iktinos and Kallikrates. c. 447-410 B.C.E. Marble
The most recognizable building on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, it has influenced architecture in practically every western country.
Athens, Greece. Iktinos and Kallikrates. c. 447-410 B.C.E. Marble
The most recognizable building on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, it has influenced architecture in practically every western country.
Grave stele of Hegeso
Attributed to Kallimachos. c. 410 B.C.E. Marble and paint
In the relief sculpture, the theme is the treatment and portrayal of women in ancient Greek society, which did not allow women an independent life.
Attributed to Kallimachos. c. 410 B.C.E. Marble and paint
In the relief sculpture, the theme is the treatment and portrayal of women in ancient Greek society, which did not allow women an independent life.
Winged Victory of Samothrace
Hellenistic Greek. c. 190 B.C.E. Marble
The theatrical stance, vigorous movement, and billowing drapery of this Hellenistic sculpture are combined with references to the Classical period-prefiguring the baroque aestheticism of the Pergamene sculptors.
Hellenistic Greek. c. 190 B.C.E. Marble
The theatrical stance, vigorous movement, and billowing drapery of this Hellenistic sculpture are combined with references to the Classical period-prefiguring the baroque aestheticism of the Pergamene sculptors.
Great Alter of Zeus and Athens at Pergamon
Asia Minor (represents-day Turkey) Hellenistic Greek. c. 175 B.C.E. Marble
The alter of Zeus with its richly decorated frieze, a masterpiece of Hellenistic art. It’s a masterful display of vigorous action and emotion—triumph, fury, despair—and the effect is achieved by exaggeration of anatomical detail and features and by a shrewd use of the rendering of hair and drapery to heighten the mood.
Asia Minor (represents-day Turkey) Hellenistic Greek. c. 175 B.C.E. Marble
The alter of Zeus with its richly decorated frieze, a masterpiece of Hellenistic art. It’s a masterful display of vigorous action and emotion—triumph, fury, despair—and the effect is achieved by exaggeration of anatomical detail and features and by a shrewd use of the rendering of hair and drapery to heighten the mood.
House of Vetti. Pompeii, Italy. Imperial Roman. c. second century B.C.E.; rebuilt c. 62-79 C.E. Cut stone and fresco
The House of the Vettii offers key insights into domestic architecture and interior decoration in the last days of the city of Pompeii. The house itself is architecturally significant not only because of its size but also because of the indications it gives of important changes that were underway in the design of Roman houses during the third quarter of the first century C.E.
The House of the Vettii offers key insights into domestic architecture and interior decoration in the last days of the city of Pompeii. The house itself is architecturally significant not only because of its size but also because of the indications it gives of important changes that were underway in the design of Roman houses during the third quarter of the first century C.E.
Alexander Mosaic from the House of Faun, Pompeii
Republican Roman. c. 100 B.C.E. Mosaic
The artistic importance of this work of art comes at the subtle and unique artistic style that the artist employed in the making of the mosaic. The first major attribute of this great piece of artwork is the use of motion and intensity in the battle and the use of drama unfolding before the viewer’s eyes to further the effect of glory in the mosaic.
Republican Roman. c. 100 B.C.E. Mosaic
The artistic importance of this work of art comes at the subtle and unique artistic style that the artist employed in the making of the mosaic. The first major attribute of this great piece of artwork is the use of motion and intensity in the battle and the use of drama unfolding before the viewer’s eyes to further the effect of glory in the mosaic.
Seated boxer
Hellenistic Greek. c. 100 B.C.E. Bronze
The sculpure shows both body and visage to convey personality and emotion. It shows transformation of pain into bronze, a parallel of recent photos of our contemporary Olympic athletes after their strenuous competitions.
Hellenistic Greek. c. 100 B.C.E. Bronze
The sculpure shows both body and visage to convey personality and emotion. It shows transformation of pain into bronze, a parallel of recent photos of our contemporary Olympic athletes after their strenuous competitions.
Head of a Roman patrician
Republican Roma. c. 75-50 B.C.E. Marble
the physical traits of this portrait image are meant to convey seriousness of mind (gravitas) and the virtue (virtus) of a public career by demonstrating the way in which the subject literally wears the marks of his endeavors.
Republican Roma. c. 75-50 B.C.E. Marble
the physical traits of this portrait image are meant to convey seriousness of mind (gravitas) and the virtue (virtus) of a public career by demonstrating the way in which the subject literally wears the marks of his endeavors.
Augustus of Prima Porta
Imperial Roman. Early first century C.E. Marble
This statue is not simply a portrait of the emperor, it expresses Augustus’ connection to the past, his role as a military victor, his connection to the gods, and his role as the bringer of the Roman Peace.
Imperial Roman. Early first century C.E. Marble
This statue is not simply a portrait of the emperor, it expresses Augustus’ connection to the past, his role as a military victor, his connection to the gods, and his role as the bringer of the Roman Peace.
Colosseum (Flavin Amphitheater)
Rome, Italy. Imperial Roman. 70-80 C.E. Stone and concrete
The Colosseum is famous for it’s human characteristics. It was built by the Romans in about the first century. It is made of tens of thousands of tons of a kind of marble called travertine.
Rome, Italy. Imperial Roman. 70-80 C.E. Stone and concrete
The Colosseum is famous for it’s human characteristics. It was built by the Romans in about the first century. It is made of tens of thousands of tons of a kind of marble called travertine.
Forum of Trajan
Rome, Italy. Apollodorus of Damascus. Forum and markets: 106-112 C.E.; column completed 113 C.E. Brick and concrete (architecture); marble (column)
It is an amazing work of art for each detail of each scene to the very top of the Column is carefully carved. It is astounded by the artistic skill it displays.
Rome, Italy. Apollodorus of Damascus. Forum and markets: 106-112 C.E.; column completed 113 C.E. Brick and concrete (architecture); marble (column)
It is an amazing work of art for each detail of each scene to the very top of the Column is carefully carved. It is astounded by the artistic skill it displays.
Pantheon
Imperial Roman. 118-125 C.E. Concrete with stone facing
One of the great buildings in western architecture, the Pantheon is remarkable both as a feat of engineering and for its manipulation of interior space, and for a time, it was also home to the largest pearl in the ancient world.
Imperial Roman. 118-125 C.E. Concrete with stone facing
One of the great buildings in western architecture, the Pantheon is remarkable both as a feat of engineering and for its manipulation of interior space, and for a time, it was also home to the largest pearl in the ancient world.
Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus
Late Imperial Roman. c. 250 C.E. Marble
Change the ideas about cremation and burial. Extremely crowded surface with figures piled on top of each other. Figures lack individuality, confusion of battle is echoed by congested composition, and Roman army trounces bearded and defeat Barbarians.
Late Imperial Roman. c. 250 C.E. Marble
Change the ideas about cremation and burial. Extremely crowded surface with figures piled on top of each other. Figures lack individuality, confusion of battle is echoed by congested composition, and Roman army trounces bearded and defeat Barbarians.
Catacomb of Priscilla
Rome, Italy. Late Antique Europe. c. 200-400 C.E. Excavated tufa and fresco
The wall paintings are considered the first Christian artwork.
Rome, Italy. Late Antique Europe. c. 200-400 C.E. Excavated tufa and fresco
The wall paintings are considered the first Christian artwork.
Santa Sabina
Rome, Italy. Late Antique Europe. c. 422-432 C.E. Brick and stone, wood
The emphasis in this architecture is on the spiritual effect and not the physical. Helps to understand the essential characteristics of the early Christian basilica.
Rome, Italy. Late Antique Europe. c. 422-432 C.E. Brick and stone, wood
The emphasis in this architecture is on the spiritual effect and not the physical. Helps to understand the essential characteristics of the early Christian basilica.
Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well and Jacob Wrestling the Angel, from the Vienna Genesis
Early Byzantine Europe. Early sixth century C.E. Illuminated manuscript
Early Byzantine Europe. Early sixth century C.E. Illuminated manuscript
San Vitale
Ravenna, Italy. Early Byzantine Europe. c. 526-547 C.E. Brick, marble, and stone veneer; mosaic
Beautiful images of the interior spaces of San Vitale, thes images capture the effect of the interior of the church.
Ravenna, Italy. Early Byzantine Europe. c. 526-547 C.E. Brick, marble, and stone veneer; mosaic
Beautiful images of the interior spaces of San Vitale, thes images capture the effect of the interior of the church.
Hagia Sophia
Consantinople (Istanbu). Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus. 532-537 C.E. Brick and ceramic elements with stone and mosaic veneer.
The interior of Hagia Sophia was paneled with costly colored marbles and ornamental stone inlays. Decorative marble columns were taken from ancient buildings and reused to support the interior arcades. Initially, the upper part of the building was minimally decorated in gold with a huge cross in a medallion at the summit of the dome
Consantinople (Istanbu). Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus. 532-537 C.E. Brick and ceramic elements with stone and mosaic veneer.
The interior of Hagia Sophia was paneled with costly colored marbles and ornamental stone inlays. Decorative marble columns were taken from ancient buildings and reused to support the interior arcades. Initially, the upper part of the building was minimally decorated in gold with a huge cross in a medallion at the summit of the dome
Merovingian looped fibulae
Early medieval Europe. Mid-sixth century C.E. Silver gilt worked in filigree, with inlays of garnets and other stones.
It is normal for similar groups to have similar artistic styles, and for more diverse groups to have less in common. Fibulae is proof of the diverse and distinct cultures living within larger empires and kingdoms, a social situation that was common during the middle ages.
Early medieval Europe. Mid-sixth century C.E. Silver gilt worked in filigree, with inlays of garnets and other stones.
It is normal for similar groups to have similar artistic styles, and for more diverse groups to have less in common. Fibulae is proof of the diverse and distinct cultures living within larger empires and kingdoms, a social situation that was common during the middle ages.
Virgin and child between Saints Theodore and George
Early Byzantine Europe. Six or early seventh century C.E. Encastic on wood.
The composition displays a spatial ambiguity that places the scene in a world that operates differently from our world. The ambiguity allows the scene to partake of the viewer’s world but also separates the scene from the normal world.
Early Byzantine Europe. Six or early seventh century C.E. Encastic on wood.
The composition displays a spatial ambiguity that places the scene in a world that operates differently from our world. The ambiguity allows the scene to partake of the viewer’s world but also separates the scene from the normal world.
Lindisfarne Gospels: St. Matthew, cross-carpet page; St. Luke portrait page; St Luke incipit page
Early medieval (Hiberno Saxon) Europe. c. 700 C.E. Illuminated manuscript (ink, pigment, and gold)
The variety and splendor of the Lindisfarne Gospels are such that even in reproduction, its images astound. Artistic expression and inspired execution make this codex a high point of early medieval art.
Early medieval (Hiberno Saxon) Europe. c. 700 C.E. Illuminated manuscript (ink, pigment, and gold)
The variety and splendor of the Lindisfarne Gospels are such that even in reproduction, its images astound. Artistic expression and inspired execution make this codex a high point of early medieval art.
Great Mosque
Córdoba, Spain. Umayyad. c. 785-786 C.E. Stone masonry
The Great Mosque of Cordoba is a prime example of the Muslim world’s ability to brilliantly develop architectural styles based on pre-existing regional traditions. It is built with recycled ancient Roman columns from which sprout a striking combination of two-tiered, symmetrical arches, formed of stone and red brick.
Córdoba, Spain. Umayyad. c. 785-786 C.E. Stone masonry
The Great Mosque of Cordoba is a prime example of the Muslim world’s ability to brilliantly develop architectural styles based on pre-existing regional traditions. It is built with recycled ancient Roman columns from which sprout a striking combination of two-tiered, symmetrical arches, formed of stone and red brick.
Pyxis of al-Mughira
Umayyad. c. 968 C.E. Ivory
The Pyxis of al-Mughira, now in the Louvre, is among the best surviving examples of the royal ivory carving tradition in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain). It was probably fashioned in the Madinat al-Zahra workshops and its intricate and exceptional carving set it apart from many other examples; it also contains an inscription and figurative work which are important for understanding the traditions of ivory carving and Islamic art in Al-Andalus.
Umayyad. c. 968 C.E. Ivory
The Pyxis of al-Mughira, now in the Louvre, is among the best surviving examples of the royal ivory carving tradition in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain). It was probably fashioned in the Madinat al-Zahra workshops and its intricate and exceptional carving set it apart from many other examples; it also contains an inscription and figurative work which are important for understanding the traditions of ivory carving and Islamic art in Al-Andalus.
Church of Sainte-Foy
Conques, France. Romanesque Europe. Church: c. 1050-1130 C.E.; Reliuary of Saint Foy: ninth century C.E.; with later additions. Stone (architecture); stone and paint (tympanum); gold, silver, gemstone, and enamel over wood (reliquary)
One can see some of the most fabulous golden religious objects in France, including the very famous gold and jewel-encrusted reliquary statue of St. Foy. The Church of Saint Foy at Conques provides an excellent example of Romanesque art and architecture
Conques, France. Romanesque Europe. Church: c. 1050-1130 C.E.; Reliuary of Saint Foy: ninth century C.E.; with later additions. Stone (architecture); stone and paint (tympanum); gold, silver, gemstone, and enamel over wood (reliquary)
One can see some of the most fabulous golden religious objects in France, including the very famous gold and jewel-encrusted reliquary statue of St. Foy. The Church of Saint Foy at Conques provides an excellent example of Romanesque art and architecture
Bayeux Tapestry
Romanesque Europe. c. 1066-1080 C.E. Embroidery on linen
The Bayeux Tapestry has been much used as a source for illustrations of daily life in early medieval Europe. It depicts a total of 1515 different objects, animals and persons . Dress, arms, ships, towers, cities, halls, churches, horse trappings, regal insignia, ploughs, harrows, tableware, possible armorial changes, banners, hunting horns, axes, adzes, barrels, carts, wagons, reliquaries, biers, spits and spades are among the many items depicted
Romanesque Europe. c. 1066-1080 C.E. Embroidery on linen
The Bayeux Tapestry has been much used as a source for illustrations of daily life in early medieval Europe. It depicts a total of 1515 different objects, animals and persons . Dress, arms, ships, towers, cities, halls, churches, horse trappings, regal insignia, ploughs, harrows, tableware, possible armorial changes, banners, hunting horns, axes, adzes, barrels, carts, wagons, reliquaries, biers, spits and spades are among the many items depicted
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres, France. Gothic Europe. Orignal construction. c. 1145-1115 C.E.; reconstructed c. 1194-1220 C.E. Limestone, stained glass
The Chartres Cathedral is probably the finest example of French Gothic architecture and said by some to be the most beautiful cathedral in France. The Chartres Cathedral is a milestone in the development of Western architecture because it employs all the structural elements of the new Gothic architecture: the pointed arch; the rib-and-panel vault; and, most significantly, the flying buttress.
Chartres, France. Gothic Europe. Orignal construction. c. 1145-1115 C.E.; reconstructed c. 1194-1220 C.E. Limestone, stained glass
The Chartres Cathedral is probably the finest example of French Gothic architecture and said by some to be the most beautiful cathedral in France. The Chartres Cathedral is a milestone in the development of Western architecture because it employs all the structural elements of the new Gothic architecture: the pointed arch; the rib-and-panel vault; and, most significantly, the flying buttress.
Dedication Page with Blanche of Castle and King Louis IX of France, Scenes from the Apocolypse from Bibles moralisées.
Gothic Europe. c. 1225-1245 C.E. Illuminated manuscript
This 13th century illumination, both dazzling and edifying, represents the cutting edge of lavishness in a society that embraced conspicuous consumption. As a pedagogical tool, perhaps it played no small part in helping Louis IX achieve the status of sainthood, awarded by Pope Bonifiace VIII 27 years after the king’s death.
Gothic Europe. c. 1225-1245 C.E. Illuminated manuscript
This 13th century illumination, both dazzling and edifying, represents the cutting edge of lavishness in a society that embraced conspicuous consumption. As a pedagogical tool, perhaps it played no small part in helping Louis IX achieve the status of sainthood, awarded by Pope Bonifiace VIII 27 years after the king’s death.
Röttgen Pietà
Late medieval Europe (Germany). c. 1300-1325 C.E. Painted wood
The statue’s bold emotionalism in Mary and Jesus’s face. If we focus on Mary’s face, there is a mix of emotions in her gaze. The artist humanizes Mary by giving her strong emotions. Mary’s face looks appalled and anguished because of her son’s death, and there is also a sense of shock, and awe that anyone would kill her son- the Son of God. The artist had exaggerated Mary’s sorrow in attempts to make it seem she was asking the viewer.
Late medieval Europe (Germany). c. 1300-1325 C.E. Painted wood
The statue’s bold emotionalism in Mary and Jesus’s face. If we focus on Mary’s face, there is a mix of emotions in her gaze. The artist humanizes Mary by giving her strong emotions. Mary’s face looks appalled and anguished because of her son’s death, and there is also a sense of shock, and awe that anyone would kill her son- the Son of God. The artist had exaggerated Mary’s sorrow in attempts to make it seem she was asking the viewer.
Arena (Scrovengni) Chapel, including Lamentation
Padus, Italy. Unknown architect; Giotto di Bonde (artist). Chapel: c. 1303 C.E.; Fresco: c. 1305. Brick (architecture) and fresco
Giotto painted his artwork on the walls and ceiling of the Chapel using the fresco method in which water based colors are painted onto wet plaster. Painting onto wet plaster allows the paint to be infused into the plaster creating a very durable artwork. However, since the painter must stop when the plaster dries it requires the artist to work quickly and flawlessly
Padus, Italy. Unknown architect; Giotto di Bonde (artist). Chapel: c. 1303 C.E.; Fresco: c. 1305. Brick (architecture) and fresco
Giotto painted his artwork on the walls and ceiling of the Chapel using the fresco method in which water based colors are painted onto wet plaster. Painting onto wet plaster allows the paint to be infused into the plaster creating a very durable artwork. However, since the painter must stop when the plaster dries it requires the artist to work quickly and flawlessly
Golden Haggadah (The Plagues of Egypt, Scenes of Liberation, and Preparation for Passover)
Late medieval Spain. c. 1320 C.E. Illuminated manuscript (pigment and gold leaf on vellum)
The book was for use of a wealthy Jewish family. The holy text is written on vellum – a kind of fine calfskin parchment – in Hebrew script, reading from right to left. Its stunning miniatures illustrate stories from the biblical books of ‘Genesis’ and ‘Exodus’ and scenes of Jewish ritual.
Late medieval Spain. c. 1320 C.E. Illuminated manuscript (pigment and gold leaf on vellum)
The book was for use of a wealthy Jewish family. The holy text is written on vellum – a kind of fine calfskin parchment – in Hebrew script, reading from right to left. Its stunning miniatures illustrate stories from the biblical books of ‘Genesis’ and ‘Exodus’ and scenes of Jewish ritual.
Alhambra
Granada, Spain. Nasrid Dynasty. 1354-1391 C.E. Whitewashed adobe stucco, wood, tile, paint, and gilding
The Alhambra’s architecture shares many characteristics, but is singular in the way it complicates the relationship between interior and exterior. Its buildings feature shaded patios and covered walkways that pass from well-lit interior spaces onto shaded courtyards and sun-filled gardens all enlivened by the reflection of water and intricately carved stucco decoration.
Granada, Spain. Nasrid Dynasty. 1354-1391 C.E. Whitewashed adobe stucco, wood, tile, paint, and gilding
The Alhambra’s architecture shares many characteristics, but is singular in the way it complicates the relationship between interior and exterior. Its buildings feature shaded patios and covered walkways that pass from well-lit interior spaces onto shaded courtyards and sun-filled gardens all enlivened by the reflection of water and intricately carved stucco decoration.
Annunciation Triptych
Workshop of Robert Campin. 1427-1432 C.E. Oil on wood
It consists of three hinged panels (triptych format): the left panel depicts the donor and his wife; the central and most important panel shows the Annunciation itself, and its two main characters, Mary and Archangel Gabriel; the right panel portrays Joseph in his workshop. The triptych is unsigned and undated, and only since the early 20th century has Robert Campin been identified as its creator, albeit with help from his assistants, one of whom may have been his greatest pupil Roger van der Weyden (1400-64).
Workshop of Robert Campin. 1427-1432 C.E. Oil on wood
It consists of three hinged panels (triptych format): the left panel depicts the donor and his wife; the central and most important panel shows the Annunciation itself, and its two main characters, Mary and Archangel Gabriel; the right panel portrays Joseph in his workshop. The triptych is unsigned and undated, and only since the early 20th century has Robert Campin been identified as its creator, albeit with help from his assistants, one of whom may have been his greatest pupil Roger van der Weyden (1400-64).
Pazzi Chapel
Basilicia di Santa Croce. Florence, Italy. Filippo Brunelleschi (architect) c. 1429-1461 C.E. Masonry
Pazzi chapel as a perfect space with harmonious proportions. He could achieve this result by including in his project-plan the knowledge gained during his stay in Rome when he focused primarily on measuring ancient buildings, for instance the Pantheon. The central dome is decorated with round sculptures and the coat of arms of Pazzi Family
Basilicia di Santa Croce. Florence, Italy. Filippo Brunelleschi (architect) c. 1429-1461 C.E. Masonry
Pazzi chapel as a perfect space with harmonious proportions. He could achieve this result by including in his project-plan the knowledge gained during his stay in Rome when he focused primarily on measuring ancient buildings, for instance the Pantheon. The central dome is decorated with round sculptures and the coat of arms of Pazzi Family
The Arnolfini Portrait
Jan van Eyck. c. 1434 C.E. Oil on wood
Van Eyck used oil-based paint as the medium for his artwork. This type of paint is manufactured by adding pigment to linseed or walnut oil. Oil based paint dries slowly allowing the painter more time to make revisions and to add detail, and it has a luminous quality that allows the artist. Van Eyck was not the inventor of oil-based paint, but he is recognized as being one of the first to perfect its use
Jan van Eyck. c. 1434 C.E. Oil on wood
Van Eyck used oil-based paint as the medium for his artwork. This type of paint is manufactured by adding pigment to linseed or walnut oil. Oil based paint dries slowly allowing the painter more time to make revisions and to add detail, and it has a luminous quality that allows the artist. Van Eyck was not the inventor of oil-based paint, but he is recognized as being one of the first to perfect its use
David
Donatello. c. 1440-1460 C.E. Bronze
Nearly everything about the statue – from the material from which it was sculpted to the subject’s “clothing” – was mold-breaking in some way. Scholars and artists have studied David for centuries in an attempt to both learn more about the man behind it and to more fully discern its meaning.
Donatello. c. 1440-1460 C.E. Bronze
Nearly everything about the statue – from the material from which it was sculpted to the subject’s “clothing” – was mold-breaking in some way. Scholars and artists have studied David for centuries in an attempt to both learn more about the man behind it and to more fully discern its meaning.
Palazzo Rucellai
Florence, Italy. Leon Battista Alberti (architect). c. 1450 C.E. Stone, masonry
It uses architectural features for decorative purposes rather than structural support; like the engaged columns on the Colosseum, the pilasters on the façade of the Rucellai do nothing to actually hold the building up .Also, on both of these buildings, the order of the columns changes, going from least to most decorative as they acend from the lowest to highest tier.
Florence, Italy. Leon Battista Alberti (architect). c. 1450 C.E. Stone, masonry
It uses architectural features for decorative purposes rather than structural support; like the engaged columns on the Colosseum, the pilasters on the façade of the Rucellai do nothing to actually hold the building up .Also, on both of these buildings, the order of the columns changes, going from least to most decorative as they acend from the lowest to highest tier.
Madonna and Child with Two Angels
Fra Filippo Lippi. c. 1465 C.E. Tempera on wood
Mary’s hands are clasped in prayer, and both she and the Christ child appear lost in thought, but otherwise the figures have become so human that we almost feel as though we are looking at a portrait. The angels look especially playful, and the one in the foreground seems like he might giggle as he looks out at us.
Fra Filippo Lippi. c. 1465 C.E. Tempera on wood
Mary’s hands are clasped in prayer, and both she and the Christ child appear lost in thought, but otherwise the figures have become so human that we almost feel as though we are looking at a portrait. The angels look especially playful, and the one in the foreground seems like he might giggle as he looks out at us.
Birth of Venus
Sandro Brotticelli. c. 1484-1486 C.E. Tempera on canvas
Botticelli broke new ground with his works, including the Birth of Venus. He was the first to create large scale mythology scenes, some based on historical accounts. In the era that Birth of Venus was painted, minds were open to new ideas and religion no longer needed to be the main subject of artistic work. If such mythological pieces had been painted 100 years earlier, they would not have been accepted by the church because they were so different to traditional depictions.
Sandro Brotticelli. c. 1484-1486 C.E. Tempera on canvas
Botticelli broke new ground with his works, including the Birth of Venus. He was the first to create large scale mythology scenes, some based on historical accounts. In the era that Birth of Venus was painted, minds were open to new ideas and religion no longer needed to be the main subject of artistic work. If such mythological pieces had been painted 100 years earlier, they would not have been accepted by the church because they were so different to traditional depictions.
Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci. c. 1494-1498 C.E. Oil and Tempera
The Last Supper is remarkable because the disciples are all displaying very human, identifiable emotions. The Last Supper had certainly been painted before. Leonardo’s version, though, was the first to depict real people acting like real people.
Leonardo da Vinci. c. 1494-1498 C.E. Oil and Tempera
The Last Supper is remarkable because the disciples are all displaying very human, identifiable emotions. The Last Supper had certainly been painted before. Leonardo’s version, though, was the first to depict real people acting like real people.
Adam and Eve
Albrecht Dürer. 1504 C.E. Engraving
Dürer became increasingly drawn to the idea that the perfect human form corresponded to a system of proportion and measurements. Dürer’s placid animals signify that in this moment of perfection in the garden, the human figures are still in a state of equilibrium.
Albrecht Dürer. 1504 C.E. Engraving
Dürer became increasingly drawn to the idea that the perfect human form corresponded to a system of proportion and measurements. Dürer’s placid animals signify that in this moment of perfection in the garden, the human figures are still in a state of equilibrium.
Sistine Chapel ceiling and altar wall frescoes
Vatican City, Italy. Michelangelo. Ceiling frescoes: c. 1508-1512 C.E.; altar frescoes: c. 1536-1541 C.E. Fresco
The paintings depict nine stories from the Christian Bible’s Book of Genesis, including the most famous image, the Creation of Adam (right). Taken together, the paintings are considered one of the world’s greatest art masterpieces. Their realistic and extremely detailed depictions of some of Judaism’s and Christianity’s most famous moments are a wonder to all who see them.
Vatican City, Italy. Michelangelo. Ceiling frescoes: c. 1508-1512 C.E.; altar frescoes: c. 1536-1541 C.E. Fresco
The paintings depict nine stories from the Christian Bible’s Book of Genesis, including the most famous image, the Creation of Adam (right). Taken together, the paintings are considered one of the world’s greatest art masterpieces. Their realistic and extremely detailed depictions of some of Judaism’s and Christianity’s most famous moments are a wonder to all who see them.
School of Athens
Raphael. 1509-1511 C.E. Fresco
Its pictorial concept, formal beauty and thematic unity were universally appreciated, by the Papal authorities and other artists, as well as patrons and art collectors. It ranks alongside Leonardo’s Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, and Michelangelo’s Vatican frescoes, as the embodiment of Renaissance ideals of the early cinquecento.
Raphael. 1509-1511 C.E. Fresco
Its pictorial concept, formal beauty and thematic unity were universally appreciated, by the Papal authorities and other artists, as well as patrons and art collectors. It ranks alongside Leonardo’s Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, and Michelangelo’s Vatican frescoes, as the embodiment of Renaissance ideals of the early cinquecento.
Isenheim altarpiece
Matthias Grünewald. c. 1512-1516 C.E. Oil on wood
Emphasizing the suffering and anguish of Christ and his mother’s angst. With intense colors and dramatic lighting throughout, Grunewald included a Lamentation in the predella and Saints Sebastian and Anthony on the fixed wings.
Matthias Grünewald. c. 1512-1516 C.E. Oil on wood
Emphasizing the suffering and anguish of Christ and his mother’s angst. With intense colors and dramatic lighting throughout, Grunewald included a Lamentation in the predella and Saints Sebastian and Anthony on the fixed wings.
Entombment of Christ
Jacopo da Pontormo. 1525-1528 C.E. Oil on wood
They inhabit a flattened space, comprising a sculptural congregation of brightly demarcated colors. The vortex of the composition droops down towards the limp body of Jesus off center in the left. Those lowering Christ appear to demand our help in sustaining both the weight of his body (and the burden of sin Christ took on) and their grief.
Jacopo da Pontormo. 1525-1528 C.E. Oil on wood
They inhabit a flattened space, comprising a sculptural congregation of brightly demarcated colors. The vortex of the composition droops down towards the limp body of Jesus off center in the left. Those lowering Christ appear to demand our help in sustaining both the weight of his body (and the burden of sin Christ took on) and their grief.
Allegory of Law and Grace
Lucas Cranach the Elder. c. 1530 C.E. Woodcut and letterpress
The practice of imbuing narratives, images or figures with symbolic meaning to convey moral principles and philosophical idea
Lucas Cranach the Elder. c. 1530 C.E. Woodcut and letterpress
The practice of imbuing narratives, images or figures with symbolic meaning to convey moral principles and philosophical idea
Venus of Urbino
Titan. c. 1538 C.E. Oil on canvas
Thanks to the wise use of color and its contrasts, as well as the subtle meanings and allusions, Titian achieves the goal of representing the perfect Renaissance woman who, just like Venus, becomes the symbol of love, beauty and fertility.
Titan. c. 1538 C.E. Oil on canvas
Thanks to the wise use of color and its contrasts, as well as the subtle meanings and allusions, Titian achieves the goal of representing the perfect Renaissance woman who, just like Venus, becomes the symbol of love, beauty and fertility.
Frontispiece of the Codex Mendoza
Viceroyalty of New Spain. c. 1541-1542 C.E. Ink and color on paper
The artist emphasizes the military power of the Aztecs by showing two soldiers in hierarchic scale: they physically tower over the two men they defeat. The Codex contains a wealth of information about the Aztecs and their empire
Viceroyalty of New Spain. c. 1541-1542 C.E. Ink and color on paper
The artist emphasizes the military power of the Aztecs by showing two soldiers in hierarchic scale: they physically tower over the two men they defeat. The Codex contains a wealth of information about the Aztecs and their empire
Il Gesù, including Triumph of the Name of Jesus ceiling fresco
Rome, Italy. Giacomo da Vignola, plan (architect); Giamcomo della Porta, facade (architect); Giovanni Battista Gaulli, ceiling fresco (artist). Church: 16th century C.E.; facade: 1568-1584 C.E.; fresco and stucco figures: 1679-1679 C.E. Brick, marble, fresco, and stucco
The interior accentuates the two great functions of a Jesuit church: its large central nave with the laterally placed pulpit serves as a great auditorium for preaching, and the highly visible and prominent altar serves as a theatrical stage for the celebration of the Real Presence in the Eucharist. the fresco blends seamlessly into the architecture of the ceiling. It almost looks like there really is an opening in the ceiling.
Rome, Italy. Giacomo da Vignola, plan (architect); Giamcomo della Porta, facade (architect); Giovanni Battista Gaulli, ceiling fresco (artist). Church: 16th century C.E.; facade: 1568-1584 C.E.; fresco and stucco figures: 1679-1679 C.E. Brick, marble, fresco, and stucco
The interior accentuates the two great functions of a Jesuit church: its large central nave with the laterally placed pulpit serves as a great auditorium for preaching, and the highly visible and prominent altar serves as a theatrical stage for the celebration of the Real Presence in the Eucharist. the fresco blends seamlessly into the architecture of the ceiling. It almost looks like there really is an opening in the ceiling.
Hunters in the Snow
Pieters Bruegel the Elder. 1565 C.E. Oil on woods
This Bruegel oil painting – which is, incidentally the world’s most popular classical Christmas card design – evokes the harsh conditions and temperatures of winter. The composition is ideal as the first in a frieze of pictures covering the full year, and the painting is filled with detail.
Pieters Bruegel the Elder. 1565 C.E. Oil on woods
This Bruegel oil painting – which is, incidentally the world’s most popular classical Christmas card design – evokes the harsh conditions and temperatures of winter. The composition is ideal as the first in a frieze of pictures covering the full year, and the painting is filled with detail.
Mosque of Selim II
Edrine, Turkey. Sinan (architect), 1568-1575 C.E. Brick and stone
It is one of the most important buildings in the history of world architecture both for its design and its monumentality. It is considered to be the masterwork of the great Ottoman architect Sinan.
Edrine, Turkey. Sinan (architect), 1568-1575 C.E. Brick and stone
It is one of the most important buildings in the history of world architecture both for its design and its monumentality. It is considered to be the masterwork of the great Ottoman architect Sinan.
Calling of Saint Matthew
Caravaggio. c. 1597-1601 C.E. Oil on canvas
Caravaggio depicts the very moment when Matthew first realizes he is being called. This was Caravaggio’s first important job and the completed work would win him the highest of praise as well as the harshest of criticism for its shockingly innovative style.
Caravaggio. c. 1597-1601 C.E. Oil on canvas
Caravaggio depicts the very moment when Matthew first realizes he is being called. This was Caravaggio’s first important job and the completed work would win him the highest of praise as well as the harshest of criticism for its shockingly innovative style.
Henri IV Recieves the portrait of Marie de’ Medici, from the Marie de’ Medici Cycle
Peter Paul Rubens. 1621-1625 C.E. Oil on canvas
The cycle idealizes and allegorizes Marie’s life in light of the peace and prosperity she brought to the kingdom, not through military victories but through wisdom, devotion to her husband and her adopted country, and strategic marriage alliances—her own as well as the ones she brokered for her children. This, at least, is the message she wished to convey and she worked closely with her advisors and Rubens to ensure her story was told as she saw fit.
Peter Paul Rubens. 1621-1625 C.E. Oil on canvas
The cycle idealizes and allegorizes Marie’s life in light of the peace and prosperity she brought to the kingdom, not through military victories but through wisdom, devotion to her husband and her adopted country, and strategic marriage alliances—her own as well as the ones she brokered for her children. This, at least, is the message she wished to convey and she worked closely with her advisors and Rubens to ensure her story was told as she saw fit.
Self-Portrait with Saskia
Rembrandt van Rijn. 1636 C.E. Etching
Rembrandt stand out among his contemporaries is that he often created multiple states of a single image. This etching, for example, exists in three states. By reworking his plates he was able to experiment with ways to improve and extend the expressive power of his images.
Rembrandt van Rijn. 1636 C.E. Etching
Rembrandt stand out among his contemporaries is that he often created multiple states of a single image. This etching, for example, exists in three states. By reworking his plates he was able to experiment with ways to improve and extend the expressive power of his images.
San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
Rome, Italy. Francesco Borromini (architect) 1638-1646 C.E. Stone and stucco
He was much criticized as an architect who ignored the rules of the Ancients in favour of whimsy. However it is his clear knowledge of those rules, and the facility and ingenuity with which he manipulated them, which has ensured his reputation as one of the great geniuses in the history of architecture.
Rome, Italy. Francesco Borromini (architect) 1638-1646 C.E. Stone and stucco
He was much criticized as an architect who ignored the rules of the Ancients in favour of whimsy. However it is his clear knowledge of those rules, and the facility and ingenuity with which he manipulated them, which has ensured his reputation as one of the great geniuses in the history of architecture.
Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
Cornaro Chapel, Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria Rome, Italy. Gian Lorenzo Bernini. c. 1647-1652 C.E. Marble (sculpture); stucco and gilt bronze (chapel)
Bernini used the erotic character of the experience as a springboard to a new and higher type of spiritual awakening. It is one of the most important examples of the Counter-Reformation style of Baroque sculpture, designed to convey spiritual aspects of the Catholic faith.
Cornaro Chapel, Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria Rome, Italy. Gian Lorenzo Bernini. c. 1647-1652 C.E. Marble (sculpture); stucco and gilt bronze (chapel)
Bernini used the erotic character of the experience as a springboard to a new and higher type of spiritual awakening. It is one of the most important examples of the Counter-Reformation style of Baroque sculpture, designed to convey spiritual aspects of the Catholic faith.
Angel with Arquebus, Asiel Timor Dei
Master of Calamarca (La Paz School). c. 17th century C.E. Oil on canvas
As the Angels was one of the topics most characteristic of the painting from the Viceregal in America, this kind of art and characters are found in different villages of Peru, Argentina and even in other departments of Bolivia. Calamarca is one of the most complete collections, including Angels holding arquebuses, swords, holding keys or spikes of wheat or a bundle of fire in his hand.
Master of Calamarca (La Paz School). c. 17th century C.E. Oil on canvas
As the Angels was one of the topics most characteristic of the painting from the Viceregal in America, this kind of art and characters are found in different villages of Peru, Argentina and even in other departments of Bolivia. Calamarca is one of the most complete collections, including Angels holding arquebuses, swords, holding keys or spikes of wheat or a bundle of fire in his hand.
Las Meninas
Diego Velázquez. c. 1656 C.E. Oil on canvas
The painting represents a scene from daily life in the palace of Felipe IV. The points of light illuminate the characters and establish an order in the composition. The light that illuminates the room from the right hand side of the painting focuses the viewer´s look on the main group, and the open door at the back, with the person positioned against the light, is the vanishing point.
Diego Velázquez. c. 1656 C.E. Oil on canvas
The painting represents a scene from daily life in the palace of Felipe IV. The points of light illuminate the characters and establish an order in the composition. The light that illuminates the room from the right hand side of the painting focuses the viewer´s look on the main group, and the open door at the back, with the person positioned against the light, is the vanishing point.
Women Holding a Balance
Johnnes Vermer. c. 1664 C.E. Oil on canvas
the small, delicate balance is the central feature and focus of the picture, which is all about the weighing of transitory material concerns against spiritual ones. It is a more explicitly allegorical work than usual, but some elements remain obscure. The work exemplifies Vermeer’s style of Dutch Realist genre painting with its blend of painterly technique, moral narrative and, above all, intimacy
Johnnes Vermer. c. 1664 C.E. Oil on canvas
the small, delicate balance is the central feature and focus of the picture, which is all about the weighing of transitory material concerns against spiritual ones. It is a more explicitly allegorical work than usual, but some elements remain obscure. The work exemplifies Vermeer’s style of Dutch Realist genre painting with its blend of painterly technique, moral narrative and, above all, intimacy
The Palace of Versailles
Versailles, France. Loius Le Vau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart (architects). Begun 1669 C.E. Masonry, stone, wood, iron, and gold leaf (architecture); marble and bronze (sculpture); gardens
The gigantic scale of Versailles exemplifies the architectural theme of ‘creation by division’ – a series of simple repetitions rhythmically marked off by the repetition of the large windows – which expresses the fundamental values of Baroque art and in which the focal point of the interior, as well as of the entire building, is the king’s bed. Among its celebrated architectural designs is the Hall of Mirrors, which is one of the most famous rooms in the world. The palace and its decoration stimulated a mini-renaissance of interior design, as well as decorative art, during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Versailles, France. Loius Le Vau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart (architects). Begun 1669 C.E. Masonry, stone, wood, iron, and gold leaf (architecture); marble and bronze (sculpture); gardens
The gigantic scale of Versailles exemplifies the architectural theme of ‘creation by division’ – a series of simple repetitions rhythmically marked off by the repetition of the large windows – which expresses the fundamental values of Baroque art and in which the focal point of the interior, as well as of the entire building, is the king’s bed. Among its celebrated architectural designs is the Hall of Mirrors, which is one of the most famous rooms in the world. The palace and its decoration stimulated a mini-renaissance of interior design, as well as decorative art, during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Screen with the Siege of Belgrade and hunting scene
Circle of the González Family. c. 1697-1701 C.E. Tempera and resin on wood, shell inlay
Throughout both sides, the artists embedded thin layers of mother-of-pearl, but not in any pattern, nor within the images’ contour lines. Their purpose was to reflect light from the candles that would have shone in the screen’s surroundings
Circle of the González Family. c. 1697-1701 C.E. Tempera and resin on wood, shell inlay
Throughout both sides, the artists embedded thin layers of mother-of-pearl, but not in any pattern, nor within the images’ contour lines. Their purpose was to reflect light from the candles that would have shone in the screen’s surroundings
The Virgin of Guadalupe
Miguel González. c. 1698 C.E. Based on original Virgin of Gaudalupe. Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico City. 16th century C.E. Oil on canvas on wood, inlaid with mother-of-pearl
Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a special place in the religious life of Mexico and is one of the most popular religious devotions. Her image has played an important role as a national symbol of Mexico.
Miguel González. c. 1698 C.E. Based on original Virgin of Gaudalupe. Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico City. 16th century C.E. Oil on canvas on wood, inlaid with mother-of-pearl
Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a special place in the religious life of Mexico and is one of the most popular religious devotions. Her image has played an important role as a national symbol of Mexico.
Fruit and Insects
Rachel Ruysch. 1711 C.E. Oil on wood
This luscious sample of life on Earth represents at least two passions of its time: categorization and still-life, which emphasize the pleasure of the senses and their qualities
Rachel Ruysch. 1711 C.E. Oil on wood
This luscious sample of life on Earth represents at least two passions of its time: categorization and still-life, which emphasize the pleasure of the senses and their qualities
Spaniard and Indian Produce a Mestizo
Attributed to Juan Rodríguez Juárez. c. 1715 C.E. Oil on canvas
The painting displays a Spanish father and Indigenous mother with their son, and it belongs to a larger series of works that seek to document the inter-ethnic mixing occurring in New Spain among Europeans, indigenous peoples, Africans, and the existing mixed-race population. This genre of painting, known as caste paintings, attempts to capture reality, yet they are largely fictions.
Attributed to Juan Rodríguez Juárez. c. 1715 C.E. Oil on canvas
The painting displays a Spanish father and Indigenous mother with their son, and it belongs to a larger series of works that seek to document the inter-ethnic mixing occurring in New Spain among Europeans, indigenous peoples, Africans, and the existing mixed-race population. This genre of painting, known as caste paintings, attempts to capture reality, yet they are largely fictions.
The Tête à Tête, from Marriage à la Mode
William Hogarth. c. 1743 C.E. Oil on canvas
First Western artist who worked in series, that is, a group of paintings with a common thread, a common theme. Now many contemporary artists work in series to explore different styles and approaches to their art, but this was not usual in the 18th century.
William Hogarth. c. 1743 C.E. Oil on canvas
First Western artist who worked in series, that is, a group of paintings with a common thread, a common theme. Now many contemporary artists work in series to explore different styles and approaches to their art, but this was not usual in the 18th century.
Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
Miguel Cabrera. c. 1750 C.E. Oil on canvas.
Considered the first feminist of the Americas, sor Juana lived as a nun of the Jeronymite order (named for St. Jerome) in seventeenth-century Mexico. Renown of Sister Juana as one of the most important early poets of the Americas. The inscription identifies the image as a faithful copy after a portrait that she herself made and painted with her own hand.
Miguel Cabrera. c. 1750 C.E. Oil on canvas.
Considered the first feminist of the Americas, sor Juana lived as a nun of the Jeronymite order (named for St. Jerome) in seventeenth-century Mexico. Renown of Sister Juana as one of the most important early poets of the Americas. The inscription identifies the image as a faithful copy after a portrait that she herself made and painted with her own hand.
A Philosopher Giving a Lecture on the Orrery
Joseph Wright of Derby. c. 1763-1765 C.E. Oil on canvas
That responsibility falls on the paintings strong internal light source, the lamp that takes the role of the sun. Wright inserted strong light sources in otherwise dark compositions to create dramatic effect. Most of these earlier works were Christian subjects, and the light sources were often simple candles. Wright flips the script with his scientific subject matter. The gas lamp which acts as the sun pulls double duty in the painting. It illuminates the scene, allowing the viewer to clearly see the figures within, and it symbolizes the active enlightenment in which those figures are participating.
Joseph Wright of Derby. c. 1763-1765 C.E. Oil on canvas
That responsibility falls on the paintings strong internal light source, the lamp that takes the role of the sun. Wright inserted strong light sources in otherwise dark compositions to create dramatic effect. Most of these earlier works were Christian subjects, and the light sources were often simple candles. Wright flips the script with his scientific subject matter. The gas lamp which acts as the sun pulls double duty in the painting. It illuminates the scene, allowing the viewer to clearly see the figures within, and it symbolizes the active enlightenment in which those figures are participating.
The Swing
Jean-Honoré Fragonard. 1767 C.E. Oil on canvas
The Swing, rich with symbolism, not only manages to capture a moment of complete spontaneity and joie de vivre, but also alludes to the illicit affair that may have already been going on, or is about to begin.
Jean-Honoré Fragonard. 1767 C.E. Oil on canvas
The Swing, rich with symbolism, not only manages to capture a moment of complete spontaneity and joie de vivre, but also alludes to the illicit affair that may have already been going on, or is about to begin.
Monticello
Virginia, U.S. Thomas Jefferson (architect). 1768-1809 C.E. Brick, glass, stone, and wood
By helping to introduce classical architecture to the United States, Jefferson intended to reinforce the ideals behind the classical past: democracy, education, rationality, civic responsibility. Jefferson reinforced the symbolic nature of architecture.
Virginia, U.S. Thomas Jefferson (architect). 1768-1809 C.E. Brick, glass, stone, and wood
By helping to introduce classical architecture to the United States, Jefferson intended to reinforce the ideals behind the classical past: democracy, education, rationality, civic responsibility. Jefferson reinforced the symbolic nature of architecture.
The Oath of the Horatii
Jacques-Louis David. 1784 C.E. Oil on canvas
Designed to rally republicans (those who believed in the ideals of a republic, and not a monarchy, for France) by telling them that their cause will require the dedication and sacrifice of the Horatii.
Jacques-Louis David. 1784 C.E. Oil on canvas
Designed to rally republicans (those who believed in the ideals of a republic, and not a monarchy, for France) by telling them that their cause will require the dedication and sacrifice of the Horatii.
George Washington
Jean-Antoine Hudson. 1788-1792 C.E. Marble
The statue, with all of its elements, skillfully combines ancient and modern styles to illustrate both military and civilian virtues. When Houdon completed the statue, he inscribed the base simply with “George Washington” and his own name and a date.
Jean-Antoine Hudson. 1788-1792 C.E. Marble
The statue, with all of its elements, skillfully combines ancient and modern styles to illustrate both military and civilian virtues. When Houdon completed the statue, he inscribed the base simply with “George Washington” and his own name and a date.
Self-Portrait
Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun. 1790 C.E. Oil on canvas
The painting expresses an alert intelligence, vibrancy, and freedom from care. This, dispite the fact that Vigée-LeBrun had been forced to flee France in disguise and under cover of darkness during the early stages of the Revolution
Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun. 1790 C.E. Oil on canvas
The painting expresses an alert intelligence, vibrancy, and freedom from care. This, dispite the fact that Vigée-LeBrun had been forced to flee France in disguise and under cover of darkness during the early stages of the Revolution
Y no hai remedio, fromo Los Desastres de la Guerra, plate 15
Francisco de Goya. 1810-1823 C.E. (publised 1863) Etching, drypoint, burin, and burnishing
The artist was sent to the general’s hometown of Saragossa to record the glories of its citizens in the face of French atrocities. The sketches that Goya began in 1808 and continued to create throughout and after the Spanish War of Independence and other emphatic caprices. Focused on the widespread suffering experienced in wartime and the brutality inflicted by both sides during periods of armed conflict.
Francisco de Goya. 1810-1823 C.E. (publised 1863) Etching, drypoint, burin, and burnishing
The artist was sent to the general’s hometown of Saragossa to record the glories of its citizens in the face of French atrocities. The sketches that Goya began in 1808 and continued to create throughout and after the Spanish War of Independence and other emphatic caprices. Focused on the widespread suffering experienced in wartime and the brutality inflicted by both sides during periods of armed conflict.
La Grande Odalisque
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. 1814 C.E. Oil on canvas
Ingres’ sensual fascination with the Orient was no secret. He displayed his attraction for this foreign eroticism in many of his works but his most famous paintings on this theme are La Grande Odalisque.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. 1814 C.E. Oil on canvas
Ingres’ sensual fascination with the Orient was no secret. He displayed his attraction for this foreign eroticism in many of his works but his most famous paintings on this theme are La Grande Odalisque.
Liberty Leading the people
Eugène Delacroix. 1830 C.E. Oil on canvas
Delacroix wanted to paint July 28: Liberty Leading the People to take his own special action in the revolution and his color technique combined his intense brushstrokes to create an unforgettable canvas.
Eugène Delacroix. 1830 C.E. Oil on canvas
Delacroix wanted to paint July 28: Liberty Leading the People to take his own special action in the revolution and his color technique combined his intense brushstrokes to create an unforgettable canvas.
The Oxbow
Thomas Cole. 1836 C.E. Oil on canvas
The artist juxtaposes untamed wilderness and pastoral settlement to emphasize the possibilities of the national landscape, pointing to the future prospect of the American nation. Cole’s unmistakable construction and composition of the scene, charged with moral significance, is reinforced by his depiction of himself in the middle distance, perched on a foreland painting the Oxbow.
Thomas Cole. 1836 C.E. Oil on canvas
The artist juxtaposes untamed wilderness and pastoral settlement to emphasize the possibilities of the national landscape, pointing to the future prospect of the American nation. Cole’s unmistakable construction and composition of the scene, charged with moral significance, is reinforced by his depiction of himself in the middle distance, perched on a foreland painting the Oxbow.
Still Life in Studio
Louis-Jacques Mandé Daguerre. 1837 C.E. Daguerreotype. 1837 C.E. Daguerreotype
He developed the daguerreotype process, produced pictures remarkable for the perfection of their details and for the richness and harmony of their general effect.
Louis-Jacques Mandé Daguerre. 1837 C.E. Daguerreotype. 1837 C.E. Daguerreotype
He developed the daguerreotype process, produced pictures remarkable for the perfection of their details and for the richness and harmony of their general effect.
Slave Ship
Joseph Mallord William Turner. 1840 C.E. Oil on canvas
Slave Ship is a perfect example of a romantic landscape painting. His style is expressed more through dramatic emotion, sometimes taking advantage of the imagination. Instead of carefully observing and portraying nature, William Turner took a landscape of a stormy sea and turned it into a scene with roaring and tumultuous waves that seem to destroy everything in its path. Turner’s aims were to take unique aspects of nature and find a way to appeal strongly to people’s emotions.
Joseph Mallord William Turner. 1840 C.E. Oil on canvas
Slave Ship is a perfect example of a romantic landscape painting. His style is expressed more through dramatic emotion, sometimes taking advantage of the imagination. Instead of carefully observing and portraying nature, William Turner took a landscape of a stormy sea and turned it into a scene with roaring and tumultuous waves that seem to destroy everything in its path. Turner’s aims were to take unique aspects of nature and find a way to appeal strongly to people’s emotions.
Palace of Westminster
London, England. Charles Barry and Augustus W. N. Pugin (architects). 1840-1870 C.E. Limestone masonry and glass
Its stunning Gothic architecture to the 19th-century architect Sir Charles Barry. The Palace contains a fascinating mixture of both ancient and modern buildings, and houses an iconic collection of furnishings, archives and works of art.
London, England. Charles Barry and Augustus W. N. Pugin (architects). 1840-1870 C.E. Limestone masonry and glass
Its stunning Gothic architecture to the 19th-century architect Sir Charles Barry. The Palace contains a fascinating mixture of both ancient and modern buildings, and houses an iconic collection of furnishings, archives and works of art.
The Stone Breakers
Gustave Courbet. 1849 C.E. (destroyed in 1945). Oil canvas
He attempts to be even-handed, attending to faces and rock equally. In these ways, The Stonebreakers seems to lack the basics of art (things like a composition that selects and organizes, aerial perspective and finish) and as a result, it feels more “real.”
Gustave Courbet. 1849 C.E. (destroyed in 1945). Oil canvas
He attempts to be even-handed, attending to faces and rock equally. In these ways, The Stonebreakers seems to lack the basics of art (things like a composition that selects and organizes, aerial perspective and finish) and as a result, it feels more “real.”
Nadar Raising Photography to the Height of Art
Honoré Daumier. 1862 C.E. Lithograph
Nadar, one of the most prominent photographers in Paris at the time, was known for capturing the first aerial photographs from the basket of a hot air balloon.
Honoré Daumier. 1862 C.E. Lithograph
Nadar, one of the most prominent photographers in Paris at the time, was known for capturing the first aerial photographs from the basket of a hot air balloon.
Olympia
Édouard Manet. 1863 C.E. Oil on canvas
Olympia and the controversy surrounding what is perhaps the most famous nude of the nineteenth-century. Olympia had more to do with the realism of the subject matter than the fact that the model was nude.
Édouard Manet. 1863 C.E. Oil on canvas
Olympia and the controversy surrounding what is perhaps the most famous nude of the nineteenth-century. Olympia had more to do with the realism of the subject matter than the fact that the model was nude.
The Saint-Lazare Station
Claude Monet. 1877 C.E. Oil on canvas
The effects of color and light rather than a concern for describing machines in detail. Certain zones, true pieces of pure painting, achieve an almost abstract vision. An ideal setting for someone who sought the changing effects of light, movement, clouds of steam and a radically modern motif.
Claude Monet. 1877 C.E. Oil on canvas
The effects of color and light rather than a concern for describing machines in detail. Certain zones, true pieces of pure painting, achieve an almost abstract vision. An ideal setting for someone who sought the changing effects of light, movement, clouds of steam and a radically modern motif.
The Horse in Motion
Eadweard Muybridge. 1878 C.E. Albumen print
Muybridge spent the rest of his career improving his technique, making a huge variety of motion studies, lecturing, and publishing. As a result of his motion studies, he is regarded as one of the fathers of the motion picture. Muybridge’s motion studies showed the way to a new art form.
Eadweard Muybridge. 1878 C.E. Albumen print
Muybridge spent the rest of his career improving his technique, making a huge variety of motion studies, lecturing, and publishing. As a result of his motion studies, he is regarded as one of the fathers of the motion picture. Muybridge’s motion studies showed the way to a new art form.
The Valley of Mexico from the Hillside of Santa Isabel
José María Velasco. 1882 C.E. Oil on canvas
The Valley of Mexico from the Hillside of Santa Isabel represents an important period in the development of Mexico’s national identity and an important chapter in the history of Mexican art. Velasco’s landscapes became symbols of the nation as they represented Mexico in several World Fairs.
José María Velasco. 1882 C.E. Oil on canvas
The Valley of Mexico from the Hillside of Santa Isabel represents an important period in the development of Mexico’s national identity and an important chapter in the history of Mexican art. Velasco’s landscapes became symbols of the nation as they represented Mexico in several World Fairs.
The Burghers of Calais
Auguste Rodin. 1884-1895 C.E. Bronze
He accomplished this by not only positioning each figure in a different stance with the men’s heads facing separate directions, but he lowered them down to street level so a viewer could easily walk around the sculpture and see each man and each facial expression and feel as if they were a part of the group, personally experiencing the tragic event.
Auguste Rodin. 1884-1895 C.E. Bronze
He accomplished this by not only positioning each figure in a different stance with the men’s heads facing separate directions, but he lowered them down to street level so a viewer could easily walk around the sculpture and see each man and each facial expression and feel as if they were a part of the group, personally experiencing the tragic event.
The Starry Night
Vincent van Gogh. 1889. Oil on canvas
It is this rich mixture of invention, remembrance, and observation combined with Van Gogh’s use of simplified forms, thick impasto, and boldly contrasting colors that has made the work so compelling to subsequent generations of viewers as well as to other artists. Inspiring and encouraging others is precisely what Van Gogh sought to achieve with his night scenes. The painting became a foundational image for Expressionism as well as perhaps the most famous painting in Van Gogh’s oeuvre.
Vincent van Gogh. 1889. Oil on canvas
It is this rich mixture of invention, remembrance, and observation combined with Van Gogh’s use of simplified forms, thick impasto, and boldly contrasting colors that has made the work so compelling to subsequent generations of viewers as well as to other artists. Inspiring and encouraging others is precisely what Van Gogh sought to achieve with his night scenes. The painting became a foundational image for Expressionism as well as perhaps the most famous painting in Van Gogh’s oeuvre.
The Coiffure
Mary Cassatt. 1890-1891 C.E, Drypoint and aquatint
The straight lines of the mirror and wall and the chair’s vertical stripes contrast with the graceful curves of the woman’s body. The rose and peach color scheme enhances her sinuous beauty by highlighting her delicate skin tone. Cassatt also emphasizes the nape of the woman’s neck, perhaps in reference to a traditional Japanese sign of beauty.
Mary Cassatt. 1890-1891 C.E, Drypoint and aquatint
The straight lines of the mirror and wall and the chair’s vertical stripes contrast with the graceful curves of the woman’s body. The rose and peach color scheme enhances her sinuous beauty by highlighting her delicate skin tone. Cassatt also emphasizes the nape of the woman’s neck, perhaps in reference to a traditional Japanese sign of beauty.
The Scream
Edvard Munch. 1893 C.E. Tempera and pastels on cardboard
Edvard Munch portrayed pure, raw emotion in this artwork was a radical shift from the art tradition of his own time, and he is therefore credited with beginning the expressionist movement that spread through Germany and on to other parts of the world. Most of Edvard Munch’s work relates to themes of sickness, isolation, fear and death.
Edvard Munch. 1893 C.E. Tempera and pastels on cardboard
Edvard Munch portrayed pure, raw emotion in this artwork was a radical shift from the art tradition of his own time, and he is therefore credited with beginning the expressionist movement that spread through Germany and on to other parts of the world. Most of Edvard Munch’s work relates to themes of sickness, isolation, fear and death.
Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?
Paul Gauguin. 1897-1898 C.E. Oil on canvas
A huge, brilliantly colored but enigmatic work painted on rough, heavy sackcloth. It contains numerous human, animal, and symbolic figures arranged across an island landscape. The sea and Tahiti’s volcanic mountains are visible in the background. It is Paul Gauguin’s largest painting, and he understood it to be his finest work.
Paul Gauguin. 1897-1898 C.E. Oil on canvas
A huge, brilliantly colored but enigmatic work painted on rough, heavy sackcloth. It contains numerous human, animal, and symbolic figures arranged across an island landscape. The sea and Tahiti’s volcanic mountains are visible in the background. It is Paul Gauguin’s largest painting, and he understood it to be his finest work.
Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building
Chicago, Illinios, U.S. Louis Sullivan (architect). 1899-1903 C.E. Iron, steel, glass, and terra cotta
With its elaborate decorative program and attention paid to the functional requirements of retail architecture, Sullivan’s design was a remarkably successful display for the department store’s products, even if it diverged from the wholly vertical effect of his earlier skyscrapers.
Chicago, Illinios, U.S. Louis Sullivan (architect). 1899-1903 C.E. Iron, steel, glass, and terra cotta
With its elaborate decorative program and attention paid to the functional requirements of retail architecture, Sullivan’s design was a remarkably successful display for the department store’s products, even if it diverged from the wholly vertical effect of his earlier skyscrapers.
Mont Sainte-Victorie
Paul Cézanne. 1902-1904 C.E. Oil on canvas
Displays less precise brushstrokes allowing the shape of the mountain to emerge from the canvas like an apparition. It’s the painter’s intention to show nature as it is, without omitting to convey an emotion.
Paul Cézanne. 1902-1904 C.E. Oil on canvas
Displays less precise brushstrokes allowing the shape of the mountain to emerge from the canvas like an apparition. It’s the painter’s intention to show nature as it is, without omitting to convey an emotion.
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon
Pablo Picasso. 1907 C.E. Oil on canvas
Marks a radical break from traditional composition and perspective in painting. These strategies would be significant in Picasso’s subsequent development of Cubism, charted in this gallery with a selection of the increasingly fragmented compositions he created in this period.
Pablo Picasso. 1907 C.E. Oil on canvas
Marks a radical break from traditional composition and perspective in painting. These strategies would be significant in Picasso’s subsequent development of Cubism, charted in this gallery with a selection of the increasingly fragmented compositions he created in this period.
The Steerage
Alfred Stieglitz. 1907 C.E. Photogravure
The Steerage is considered Stieglitz’s signature work, and was proclaimed by the artist and illustrated in histories of the medium as his first “modernist” photograph.
Alfred Stieglitz. 1907 C.E. Photogravure
The Steerage is considered Stieglitz’s signature work, and was proclaimed by the artist and illustrated in histories of the medium as his first “modernist” photograph.
The Kiss
Gustav Klimt. 1907-1908 C.E. Oil and gold leaf on canvas
This one employs intense ornament on the embracing couple’s gilded clothing, so thoroughly intertwined that the two bodies seem to be one
Gustav Klimt. 1907-1908 C.E. Oil and gold leaf on canvas
This one employs intense ornament on the embracing couple’s gilded clothing, so thoroughly intertwined that the two bodies seem to be one
The Kiss
Constantin Brancusi. 1907-1908 C.E. Limestone
Marked a major departure from the emotive realism of Rodin’s famous handling of the same subject. This 1916 version is the most geometric of Brancusi’s series, reflecting the influence of Cubism in its sharply defined corners. Its composition, texture, and material highlight Brancusi’s fascination with both the forms and spirituality of African, Assyrian, and Egyptian art. That attraction also led Brancusi to craft The Kiss using direct carving, a technique that had become popular in France at the time due to an interest in “primitive” methods. These sculptures signify his shift toward simplified forms, as well as his interest in contrasting textures – both key aspects of his later work.
Constantin Brancusi. 1907-1908 C.E. Limestone
Marked a major departure from the emotive realism of Rodin’s famous handling of the same subject. This 1916 version is the most geometric of Brancusi’s series, reflecting the influence of Cubism in its sharply defined corners. Its composition, texture, and material highlight Brancusi’s fascination with both the forms and spirituality of African, Assyrian, and Egyptian art. That attraction also led Brancusi to craft The Kiss using direct carving, a technique that had become popular in France at the time due to an interest in “primitive” methods. These sculptures signify his shift toward simplified forms, as well as his interest in contrasting textures – both key aspects of his later work.
The Portuguese
Georges Braque. 1911 C.E. Oil on canvas
In this canvas, everything was fractured. The guitar player and the dock was just so many pieces of broken form, almost broken glass. By breaking these objects into smaller elements, Braque was able to overcome the unified singularity of an object and instead transform it into an object of vision.
Georges Braque. 1911 C.E. Oil on canvas
In this canvas, everything was fractured. The guitar player and the dock was just so many pieces of broken form, almost broken glass. By breaking these objects into smaller elements, Braque was able to overcome the unified singularity of an object and instead transform it into an object of vision.
Goldfish
Henri Mattisse. 1912 C.E. Oil on canvas
This painting is an illustration of some of the major themes in Matisse’s painting: his use of complimentary colors, his quest for an idyllic paradise, his appeal for contemplative relaxation for the viewer and his complex construction of pictorial space.
Henri Mattisse. 1912 C.E. Oil on canvas
This painting is an illustration of some of the major themes in Matisse’s painting: his use of complimentary colors, his quest for an idyllic paradise, his appeal for contemplative relaxation for the viewer and his complex construction of pictorial space.
Improvisation 28
Vassily Kandinsky. 1912 C.E. Oil on canvas
His style had become more abstract and nearly schematic in its spontaneity. This painting’s sweeping curves and forms, which dissolve significantly but remain vaguely recognizable, seem to reveal cataclysmic events on the left and symbols of hope and the paradise of spiritual salvation on the right.
Vassily Kandinsky. 1912 C.E. Oil on canvas
His style had become more abstract and nearly schematic in its spontaneity. This painting’s sweeping curves and forms, which dissolve significantly but remain vaguely recognizable, seem to reveal cataclysmic events on the left and symbols of hope and the paradise of spiritual salvation on the right.
Self-Portrait as a Soldier
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. 1915 C.E. Oil on canvas
Documents the artist’s fear that the war would destroy his creative powers and in a broader sense symbolizes the reactions of the artists of his generation who suffered the kind of physical and mental damage Kirchner envisaged in this painting.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. 1915 C.E. Oil on canvas
Documents the artist’s fear that the war would destroy his creative powers and in a broader sense symbolizes the reactions of the artists of his generation who suffered the kind of physical and mental damage Kirchner envisaged in this painting.
Memorial Sheet for Karl Liebknecht
Käthe Kollwitz. 1919-1920 C.E. Woodcut
Created in 1920 in response to the assassination of Communist leader Karl Liebknecht during an uprising of 1919. This work is unique among her prints, and though it memorializes the man, it does so without advocating for his ideology.
Käthe Kollwitz. 1919-1920 C.E. Woodcut
Created in 1920 in response to the assassination of Communist leader Karl Liebknecht during an uprising of 1919. This work is unique among her prints, and though it memorializes the man, it does so without advocating for his ideology.
Villa Savoye
Poissy-sur-Seine, France. Le Corbusier (architect). 1929 C.E. Steel and reinforced concrete
This was a radically new view of the domestic sphere, one that is evident in his design for the Villa Savoye. The architect has created a space that is dynamic. This design concept was based on the notion of the car as the ultimate machine and the idea that the approach up to and through the house carried ceremonial significance.
Poissy-sur-Seine, France. Le Corbusier (architect). 1929 C.E. Steel and reinforced concrete
This was a radically new view of the domestic sphere, one that is evident in his design for the Villa Savoye. The architect has created a space that is dynamic. This design concept was based on the notion of the car as the ultimate machine and the idea that the approach up to and through the house carried ceremonial significance.
Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow
Piet Mondrain. 1930 C.E. Oil on canvas
Represents a mature stage of Mondrian’s abstraction. It seems to be a flat work, but there are differences in the texture of different elements. While the black stripes are the flattest of the paintings, in the areas with color are clear the brushstrokes, all in the same direction. The white spaces are, on the contrary, painted in layers, using brushstrokes that are put in different directions. And all of these produce a depth that, to the naked eye, cannot be appreciated.
Piet Mondrain. 1930 C.E. Oil on canvas
Represents a mature stage of Mondrian’s abstraction. It seems to be a flat work, but there are differences in the texture of different elements. While the black stripes are the flattest of the paintings, in the areas with color are clear the brushstrokes, all in the same direction. The white spaces are, on the contrary, painted in layers, using brushstrokes that are put in different directions. And all of these produce a depth that, to the naked eye, cannot be appreciated.
Illustration from The Results of the First Five-Year Plan
Varvara Stepanova. 1932 C.E. Photomontage.
There is a sharp contrast between the black and white photographs and the red elements, such as the electric tower, the number 5, and the triangle in the foreground. Our eyes are attracted to these oppositions and by the contrast between the indistinct masses and the individual portrait of Lenin, as an implicit reference to the Soviet political system.
Varvara Stepanova. 1932 C.E. Photomontage.
There is a sharp contrast between the black and white photographs and the red elements, such as the electric tower, the number 5, and the triangle in the foreground. Our eyes are attracted to these oppositions and by the contrast between the indistinct masses and the individual portrait of Lenin, as an implicit reference to the Soviet political system.
Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure). Meret Oppenheim. 1936 C.E. Fur-covered cup, saucer, spoon
In doing so, she said she wanted to transform items typically associated with feminine decorum into sensuous tableware. It also provoked the viewer into imagining what it would be like to drink out of a fur-lined cup.
In doing so, she said she wanted to transform items typically associated with feminine decorum into sensuous tableware. It also provoked the viewer into imagining what it would be like to drink out of a fur-lined cup.
Fallingwater
Pennsylvannia, U.S. Frank Lloyd Wright (architect) 1936-1939 C.E. Reinforced concrete, sandstone, steel, and glass
It’s a house that doesn’t even appear to stand on solid ground, but instead stretches out over a 30′ waterfall. It captured everyone’s imagination when it was on the cover of Time magazine in 1938.
Pennsylvannia, U.S. Frank Lloyd Wright (architect) 1936-1939 C.E. Reinforced concrete, sandstone, steel, and glass
It’s a house that doesn’t even appear to stand on solid ground, but instead stretches out over a 30′ waterfall. It captured everyone’s imagination when it was on the cover of Time magazine in 1938.
The Two Fridas
Frida Kahlo. 1939 C.E. Oil on canvas
She typically painted self-portraits using vibrant colours in a style that was influenced by cultures of Mexico as well as influences from European Surrealism. Her self-portraits were often an expression of her life and her pain.
Frida Kahlo. 1939 C.E. Oil on canvas
She typically painted self-portraits using vibrant colours in a style that was influenced by cultures of Mexico as well as influences from European Surrealism. Her self-portraits were often an expression of her life and her pain.
The Migration of the Negro, Panel no. 49
Jacob Lawrence. 1940-1941 C.E. Casein tempera on hardboard
Broad in scope and dramatic in exposition, this depiction of African-Americans moving North to find jobs, better housing, and freedom from oppression was a subject he associated with his parents, who had themselves migrated from South Carolina to Virginia, and finally, to New York.
Jacob Lawrence. 1940-1941 C.E. Casein tempera on hardboard
Broad in scope and dramatic in exposition, this depiction of African-Americans moving North to find jobs, better housing, and freedom from oppression was a subject he associated with his parents, who had themselves migrated from South Carolina to Virginia, and finally, to New York.
The Jungle
Wifredo Lam. 1943 C.E. Gouache on paper mounted on canvas
The work, “intended to communicate a psychic state,” Lam said, depicts a group of figures with crescent-shaped faces that recall African or Pacific Islander masks, against a background of vertical, striated poles suggesting Cuban sugarcane fields. Together these elements obliquely address the history of slavery in colonial Cuba.
Wifredo Lam. 1943 C.E. Gouache on paper mounted on canvas
The work, “intended to communicate a psychic state,” Lam said, depicts a group of figures with crescent-shaped faces that recall African or Pacific Islander masks, against a background of vertical, striated poles suggesting Cuban sugarcane fields. Together these elements obliquely address the history of slavery in colonial Cuba.
Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Park
Diego Rivera. 1947-1948 C.E. Fresco
The artist reminds the viewer that the struggles and glory of four centuries of Mexican history are due to the participation of Mexicans from all strata of society.
Diego Rivera. 1947-1948 C.E. Fresco
The artist reminds the viewer that the struggles and glory of four centuries of Mexican history are due to the participation of Mexicans from all strata of society.
Fountain
Marcel Duchamp. 1950 C.E. (original 1917). Readymade glazed sanitary china with black paint
It was unexpectedly a rather beautiful object in its own right and a blindingly brilliant logical move, check-mating all conventional ideas about art. But it was also a highly successful practical joke.
Marcel Duchamp. 1950 C.E. (original 1917). Readymade glazed sanitary china with black paint
It was unexpectedly a rather beautiful object in its own right and a blindingly brilliant logical move, check-mating all conventional ideas about art. But it was also a highly successful practical joke.
Woman, I
William de Kooning. 1950-1952 C.E. Oil on canvas
Woman, I reflects the age-old cultural ambivalence between reverence for and fear of the power of the feminine.
William de Kooning. 1950-1952 C.E. Oil on canvas
Woman, I reflects the age-old cultural ambivalence between reverence for and fear of the power of the feminine.
Seagram Building
New York City, U.S. Ludwig Miles van er Rohe and Philip Johnson (architects). 1954-1958 C.E. Steel frame with glass curtain wall and bronze
This building epitomizes the importation of modernist ideals from Europe to the United States. In its monumental simplicity, expressed structural frame and rational use of repeated building elements, the building embodies Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s oft-repeated aphorisms that “structure is spiritual” and “less is more.” He believed that the more a building was pared to its essential structural and functional elements, and the less superfluous imagery is used, the more a building expresses its structure and form.
New York City, U.S. Ludwig Miles van er Rohe and Philip Johnson (architects). 1954-1958 C.E. Steel frame with glass curtain wall and bronze
This building epitomizes the importation of modernist ideals from Europe to the United States. In its monumental simplicity, expressed structural frame and rational use of repeated building elements, the building embodies Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s oft-repeated aphorisms that “structure is spiritual” and “less is more.” He believed that the more a building was pared to its essential structural and functional elements, and the less superfluous imagery is used, the more a building expresses its structure and form.
Marilyn Diptych
Andy Warhol. 1962 C.E. Oil, acrylic, and silkscreen enamel on canvas
Marilyn Diptych he has produced effects of blurring and fading strongly suggestive of the star’s demise. The contrast of this panel, printed in black, with the brilliant colors of the other, also implies a contrast between life and death. The repetition of the image has the effect both of reinforcing its impact and of negating it, creating the effect of an all-over abstract pattern.
Andy Warhol. 1962 C.E. Oil, acrylic, and silkscreen enamel on canvas
Marilyn Diptych he has produced effects of blurring and fading strongly suggestive of the star’s demise. The contrast of this panel, printed in black, with the brilliant colors of the other, also implies a contrast between life and death. The repetition of the image has the effect both of reinforcing its impact and of negating it, creating the effect of an all-over abstract pattern.
Narcissus Garden
Yayoi Kusama. Original Installation and performance 1966. Mirror balls
Her work as emerging from her mental illness: she says has had hallucinations since she was a child. She also says that her ability to produce artistic works is a therapy for her. has often revisited mirrored forms in her work, exploring notions of infinity, illusion, and repetition in discrete sculptures and room-size installations.
Yayoi Kusama. Original Installation and performance 1966. Mirror balls
Her work as emerging from her mental illness: she says has had hallucinations since she was a child. She also says that her ability to produce artistic works is a therapy for her. has often revisited mirrored forms in her work, exploring notions of infinity, illusion, and repetition in discrete sculptures and room-size installations.
The Bay
Helen Frankenthaler. 1963 C.E. Acrylic on canvas
He colors on the canvas don’t have to represent something in particular, but can have a more ambiguous, emblematic quality for the viewer. The basic act of responding to color, the way one would respond to a sunset, or to light from a stained-glass window, simplicity and pure emotion through clarity of color and form.
Helen Frankenthaler. 1963 C.E. Acrylic on canvas
He colors on the canvas don’t have to represent something in particular, but can have a more ambiguous, emblematic quality for the viewer. The basic act of responding to color, the way one would respond to a sunset, or to light from a stained-glass window, simplicity and pure emotion through clarity of color and form.
Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks
Claes Oldenburg. 1969-1974 C.E. Cor-Ten steel, steel, aluminum, and cast resin; painted with polyurethane enamel
Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks claimed a visible space for the anti-war movement while also poking fun at the solemnity of the plaza. The sculpture served as a stage and backdrop for several subsequent student protests.
Claes Oldenburg. 1969-1974 C.E. Cor-Ten steel, steel, aluminum, and cast resin; painted with polyurethane enamel
Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks claimed a visible space for the anti-war movement while also poking fun at the solemnity of the plaza. The sculpture served as a stage and backdrop for several subsequent student protests.
Spiral Jetty
Great Salt Lake, Utah. U.S. Robert Smithson. 1970 C.E. Earthwork: mud, precipitated salt crystals, rocks, and water coil
The wind alters the intensity of the water’s changing colors, as does the quality of the light and the density of the overhead cloud-cover. As you start to walk the spiral, you enter a kaleidoscope of moaning wind, relentless light, and mercurial water colors.
Great Salt Lake, Utah. U.S. Robert Smithson. 1970 C.E. Earthwork: mud, precipitated salt crystals, rocks, and water coil
The wind alters the intensity of the water’s changing colors, as does the quality of the light and the density of the overhead cloud-cover. As you start to walk the spiral, you enter a kaleidoscope of moaning wind, relentless light, and mercurial water colors.
House in New Castle County
Delaware, U.S. Robert Venturi, John Rauch, and Denise Scott Brown (architects). 1978-1983 C.E. Wood frame and stucco
While the Vanna Venturi house is widely considered to be the first postmodern building, Robert Venturi insists he wasn’t trying to create a new movement. With his Vanna Venturi house widely considered to be the first postmodern building design Robert Venturi showed us that sometimes, rules are meant to be broken.
Delaware, U.S. Robert Venturi, John Rauch, and Denise Scott Brown (architects). 1978-1983 C.E. Wood frame and stucco
While the Vanna Venturi house is widely considered to be the first postmodern building, Robert Venturi insists he wasn’t trying to create a new movement. With his Vanna Venturi house widely considered to be the first postmodern building design Robert Venturi showed us that sometimes, rules are meant to be broken.
Chavín de Huántar
Northern highlands, Peru. Chavín.900-200 B.C.E. Stone (architectural complex); granite (Lanzón and sculpture); hammered gold alloy (jewelry)
Over the course of 700 years, the site drew many worshipers to its temple who helped in spreading the artistic style of Chavín throughout highland and coastal Peru by transporting ceramics, textiles, and other portable objects back to their homes.
Northern highlands, Peru. Chavín.900-200 B.C.E. Stone (architectural complex); granite (Lanzón and sculpture); hammered gold alloy (jewelry)
Over the course of 700 years, the site drew many worshipers to its temple who helped in spreading the artistic style of Chavín throughout highland and coastal Peru by transporting ceramics, textiles, and other portable objects back to their homes.
Mesa Verde cliff dwelling
Montezuma County, Colorado Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) 450-1300 C.E. Sandstone
The cliff dwellings remain, though, as compelling examples of how the Ancestral Puebloans literally carved their existence into the rocky landscape of today’s southwestern United States.
Montezuma County, Colorado Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) 450-1300 C.E. Sandstone
The cliff dwellings remain, though, as compelling examples of how the Ancestral Puebloans literally carved their existence into the rocky landscape of today’s southwestern United States.
Yaxchilán
Chiapas, Mexico. Maya. 725 C.E. Limestone (architectural complex)
Yaxchilán is located on the south bank of the Usumacinta River, in Chiapas, Mexico. It was a significant Maya center during the Classic period (250-900 C.E.) and a number of its buildings stand to this day. Many of the exteriors had elaborate decorations, but it is the carved stone lintels above their doorways which have made this site famous. These lintels, commissioned by the rulers of the city, provide a lengthy dynastic record in both text and image.
Chiapas, Mexico. Maya. 725 C.E. Limestone (architectural complex)
Yaxchilán is located on the south bank of the Usumacinta River, in Chiapas, Mexico. It was a significant Maya center during the Classic period (250-900 C.E.) and a number of its buildings stand to this day. Many of the exteriors had elaborate decorations, but it is the carved stone lintels above their doorways which have made this site famous. These lintels, commissioned by the rulers of the city, provide a lengthy dynastic record in both text and image.
Great Serpent Mound
Adams County, southern Ohio. Mississippian (Eastern Woodlands). c. 1070 C.E. Earthwork/effigy mound
Adams County, southern Ohio. Mississippian (Eastern Woodlands). c. 1070 C.E. Earthwork/effigy mound
Templo Mayor (Main Temple)
Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico). Mexica (Aztec). 1375-1520 C.E. Stone (temple); volcanic stone (The Coyolxauhqui Stone); jadeite (Olmec-style mask); basalt (Calendar Stone)
The most spectacular expansion of the Templo Mayor took place in the year “1 Rabbit” (1454 A.D.) under the ruler Motecuhzoma I when impressive art works and architectural elements were added.
Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico). Mexica (Aztec). 1375-1520 C.E. Stone (temple); volcanic stone (The Coyolxauhqui Stone); jadeite (Olmec-style mask); basalt (Calendar Stone)
The most spectacular expansion of the Templo Mayor took place in the year “1 Rabbit” (1454 A.D.) under the ruler Motecuhzoma I when impressive art works and architectural elements were added.
Ruler’s feather headdress (probably of Motecuhzoma II)
Mexica (Aztec). 1428-1520 C.E. Feathers (quetzal and cotinga) and gold
He headdress was probably part of the collection of artefacts given by Motecuhzoma to Cortés who passed on the gifts to Charles V. The headdress is made from 450 green quetzal, blue cotinga and pink flamingo feathers and is further embellished with gold beads and jade disks.
Mexica (Aztec). 1428-1520 C.E. Feathers (quetzal and cotinga) and gold
He headdress was probably part of the collection of artefacts given by Motecuhzoma to Cortés who passed on the gifts to Charles V. The headdress is made from 450 green quetzal, blue cotinga and pink flamingo feathers and is further embellished with gold beads and jade disks.
City of Cusco, including O0rikancha (Inka main temple), Santo Domingo (Spanish colonial convent), and Walls at Saqsa Waman (Sacsayhuaman)
Central highlands, Peru. Inka. c. 1440 C.E.; convent added 1550-1650 C.E. Andesite
Cuzco, which had a population of up to 150,000 at its peak, was laid out in the form of a puma and was dominated by fine buildings and palaces, the richest of all being the sacred gold-covered and emerald-studded Coricancha complex which included a temple to the Inca sun god Inti.
Central highlands, Peru. Inka. c. 1440 C.E.; convent added 1550-1650 C.E. Andesite
Cuzco, which had a population of up to 150,000 at its peak, was laid out in the form of a puma and was dominated by fine buildings and palaces, the richest of all being the sacred gold-covered and emerald-studded Coricancha complex which included a temple to the Inca sun god Inti.
Maize cobs
Inka. c. 1440-1533 C.E. Sheet metal/repoussé, metal alloys
While many ancient Andean art traditions favored abstract and geometric forms, Inka visual expression often incorporated more naturalistic forms in small-scale metal objects. This silver alloy corncob sculpture is one example of this type of object.
Inka. c. 1440-1533 C.E. Sheet metal/repoussé, metal alloys
While many ancient Andean art traditions favored abstract and geometric forms, Inka visual expression often incorporated more naturalistic forms in small-scale metal objects. This silver alloy corncob sculpture is one example of this type of object.
City of Machu Picchu
Central highlands, Peru. Inka. c. 1450-1540 C.E. Granite (architectural complex)
The site contains housing for elites, retainers, and maintenance staff, religious shrines, fountains, and terraces, as well as carved rock outcrops, a signature element of Inka art.
Central highlands, Peru. Inka. c. 1450-1540 C.E. Granite (architectural complex)
The site contains housing for elites, retainers, and maintenance staff, religious shrines, fountains, and terraces, as well as carved rock outcrops, a signature element of Inka art.
All-T’oqapu tunic
Inka. 1450-1540 C.E. Camelid fiber and cotton
The All-T’oqapu Tunic is an example of the height of Andean textile fabrication and its centrality to Inka expressions of power.
Inka. 1450-1540 C.E. Camelid fiber and cotton
The All-T’oqapu Tunic is an example of the height of Andean textile fabrication and its centrality to Inka expressions of power.
Bandolier bag
Lenape (Delaware tribe, Eastern Woodlands). c. 1850 C.E. Beadwork on leather
This is an object that invites close looking to fully appreciate the process by which colorful beads animate the bag, making a dazzling object and showcasing remarkable technical skill.
Lenape (Delaware tribe, Eastern Woodlands). c. 1850 C.E. Beadwork on leather
This is an object that invites close looking to fully appreciate the process by which colorful beads animate the bag, making a dazzling object and showcasing remarkable technical skill.
Transformation mask
Kwakwaka’wakw, Northwest coast of Canada. Late 19th century C.E. Wood, paint, and string
The masks, whether opened or closed, are bilaterally symmetrical. Typical of the formline style is the use of an undulating, calligraphic line. The ovoid shape, along with s- and u-forms, are common features of the formline style.
Kwakwaka’wakw, Northwest coast of Canada. Late 19th century C.E. Wood, paint, and string
The masks, whether opened or closed, are bilaterally symmetrical. Typical of the formline style is the use of an undulating, calligraphic line. The ovoid shape, along with s- and u-forms, are common features of the formline style.
Painted elk hide
Attributed to Cotsiogo (Cadzi Cody), Eastern Shoshone, Wind River Resservation, Wyoming. c. 1890-1900 C.E. Painted elk hide
Cotsiogo began depicting subject matter that “affirmed native identity” and appealed to tourists. The imagery placed on the hide was likely done with a combination of free-hand painting and stenciling.
Attributed to Cotsiogo (Cadzi Cody), Eastern Shoshone, Wind River Resservation, Wyoming. c. 1890-1900 C.E. Painted elk hide
Cotsiogo began depicting subject matter that “affirmed native identity” and appealed to tourists. The imagery placed on the hide was likely done with a combination of free-hand painting and stenciling.
Black-on-black ceramic vessel
Maria Martinez and Julian Martinez, Tewa, Puebloan, San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico. c. mid-20th century C.E. Blackware ceramic
They discovered that smothering the fire with powdered manure removed the oxygen while retaining the heat and resulted in a pot that was blackened. This resulted in a pot that was less hard and not entirely watertight, which worked for the new market that prized decorative use over utilitarian value. The areas that were burnished had a shiny black surface and the areas painted with guaco were matte designs based on natural phenomenon, such as rain clouds, bird feathers, rows of planted corn, and the flow of rivers.
Maria Martinez and Julian Martinez, Tewa, Puebloan, San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico. c. mid-20th century C.E. Blackware ceramic
They discovered that smothering the fire with powdered manure removed the oxygen while retaining the heat and resulted in a pot that was blackened. This resulted in a pot that was less hard and not entirely watertight, which worked for the new market that prized decorative use over utilitarian value. The areas that were burnished had a shiny black surface and the areas painted with guaco were matte designs based on natural phenomenon, such as rain clouds, bird feathers, rows of planted corn, and the flow of rivers.
Conical tower and circular wall of Great Zimbabwe
Southeastern Zimbabwe, Shona peoples. c. 1000-1400 C.E. Coursed granite blocks
In some places, the walls are several meters thick, and many of the massive walls, stone monoliths and conical towers are decorated with designs or motifs. Patterns are worked into the walls, such as herringbone and dentelle designs, vertical grooves, and an elaborate chevron design decorates the largest building called the Great Enclosure
Southeastern Zimbabwe, Shona peoples. c. 1000-1400 C.E. Coursed granite blocks
In some places, the walls are several meters thick, and many of the massive walls, stone monoliths and conical towers are decorated with designs or motifs. Patterns are worked into the walls, such as herringbone and dentelle designs, vertical grooves, and an elaborate chevron design decorates the largest building called the Great Enclosure
Great Mosque of Djenné
Mali. Founded c. 1200 C.E.; rebuilt 1906-1907. Adobe.
As one of the wonders of Africa, and one of the most unique religious buildings in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenné, in present-day Mali, is also the greatest achievement of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. It is also the largest mud-built structure in the world. We experience its monumentality from afar as it dwarfs the city of Djenné.
Mali. Founded c. 1200 C.E.; rebuilt 1906-1907. Adobe.
As one of the wonders of Africa, and one of the most unique religious buildings in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenné, in present-day Mali, is also the greatest achievement of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. It is also the largest mud-built structure in the world. We experience its monumentality from afar as it dwarfs the city of Djenné.
Wall plaque, from Oba’s palace
Edo peoples, Benin (Nigeria). 16th century C.E. Cast brass
It was the first of three exceptional masterpieces from the Kingdom of Benin acquired under Goldwater’s guidance that dramatically transformed the collection.
Edo peoples, Benin (Nigeria). 16th century C.E. Cast brass
It was the first of three exceptional masterpieces from the Kingdom of Benin acquired under Goldwater’s guidance that dramatically transformed the collection.
Sika dwa kofi (Golden Stool)
Ashanti peoples (south central Ghana). c. 1700 C.E. Gold over wood and cast-gold attachments
The Golden Stool has been such a part of their culture for so long, with so much mythology around it, that we can’t be sure exactly when it was made. The color to represent royalty changes between times and cultures. Many of the brighter colors simply weren’t available throughout Africa until Europe began to colonize
Ashanti peoples (south central Ghana). c. 1700 C.E. Gold over wood and cast-gold attachments
The Golden Stool has been such a part of their culture for so long, with so much mythology around it, that we can’t be sure exactly when it was made. The color to represent royalty changes between times and cultures. Many of the brighter colors simply weren’t available throughout Africa until Europe began to colonize
Ndop (portrait figure) of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul
Kuba peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo). c. 1760-1780 C.E. Wood
The ndop of Mishe miShyaang maMbul is part of a larger genre of figurative wood sculpture in Kuba art. These sculptures were commissioned by Kuba leaders or nyim to preserve their accomplishments for posterity. Because transmission of knowledge in this part of Africa is through oral narrative, names and histories of the past are often lost. The ndop sculptures serve as important markers of cultural ideals. They also reveal a chronological lineage through their visual signifiers.
Kuba peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo). c. 1760-1780 C.E. Wood
The ndop of Mishe miShyaang maMbul is part of a larger genre of figurative wood sculpture in Kuba art. These sculptures were commissioned by Kuba leaders or nyim to preserve their accomplishments for posterity. Because transmission of knowledge in this part of Africa is through oral narrative, names and histories of the past are often lost. The ndop sculptures serve as important markers of cultural ideals. They also reveal a chronological lineage through their visual signifiers.
Power figure (Nkisi n’kondi)
Kongo people’s (Democratic Republic of Congo). c. late 19th century C.E. Wood and metal
Nkisi nkondi figures are highly recognizable through an accumulation pegs, blades, nails or other sharp objects inserted into its surface.
Kongo people’s (Democratic Republic of Congo). c. late 19th century C.E. Wood and metal
Nkisi nkondi figures are highly recognizable through an accumulation pegs, blades, nails or other sharp objects inserted into its surface.
Female (Pwo) mask
Chokwe peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Late 19th to early 20th century C.E. Wood, fiber, pigment, and metal
Chokwe masks are often performed at the celebrations that mark the completion of initiation into adulthood. That occasion also marks the dissolution of the bonds of intimacy between mothers and their sons. The pride and sorrow that event represents for Chokwe women is alluded to by the tear motif.
Chokwe peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Late 19th to early 20th century C.E. Wood, fiber, pigment, and metal
Chokwe masks are often performed at the celebrations that mark the completion of initiation into adulthood. That occasion also marks the dissolution of the bonds of intimacy between mothers and their sons. The pride and sorrow that event represents for Chokwe women is alluded to by the tear motif.
Portrait mask (Mblo)
Baule peoples ( Côte d’Ivoire). Early 20th century C.E. Wood and pigment
The mask is exceptional for its nuanced individuality, highly refined details, powerful presence, and considerable age. It is especially appealing for its unusual depth that affords strong three-quarter views. The broad forehead and downcast eyes are classic features associated with intellect and respect in Baule aesthetics. The departure from a rigidly symmetrical representation suggests an individual physiognomy. The expression is one of intense introspection. Its serenity is subtly animated by two opposing formal elements: the flourishes of the coiffure and beard at the summit and base.
Baule peoples ( Côte d’Ivoire). Early 20th century C.E. Wood and pigment
The mask is exceptional for its nuanced individuality, highly refined details, powerful presence, and considerable age. It is especially appealing for its unusual depth that affords strong three-quarter views. The broad forehead and downcast eyes are classic features associated with intellect and respect in Baule aesthetics. The departure from a rigidly symmetrical representation suggests an individual physiognomy. The expression is one of intense introspection. Its serenity is subtly animated by two opposing formal elements: the flourishes of the coiffure and beard at the summit and base.
Bundu mask
Sande Society, Mende peoples (West African forests of Sierra Leone and (Liberia). 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, cloth, and fiber
The masks are worn by women who have a certain standing within the society, to receive the younger women at the end of their three month’s reclusion in the forest. The different elements that compose the masks of this type, the half-closed and lengthened eyes, the delicate contours of the lips, the slim nose, the serenity of the forehead, the complexity of the headdress and the presence of neck and nape refer not only to aesthetic values, but also to philosophical and religious concepts.
Sande Society, Mende peoples (West African forests of Sierra Leone and (Liberia). 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, cloth, and fiber
The masks are worn by women who have a certain standing within the society, to receive the younger women at the end of their three month’s reclusion in the forest. The different elements that compose the masks of this type, the half-closed and lengthened eyes, the delicate contours of the lips, the slim nose, the serenity of the forehead, the complexity of the headdress and the presence of neck and nape refer not only to aesthetic values, but also to philosophical and religious concepts.
Ikenga (shrine figure)
Igbo peoples (Nigeria).c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood
The shrine reflects the great value the Igbo place on individual achievement. Personal shrines are created in the form of figures known as ikenga to honor the power and skills of a person’s right hand, as the right hand holds the hoe, the sword, and the tools of craftsmanship. The basic form of an ikenga is a human figure with horns symbolizing power, sometimes reduced to only a head with horns on a base.
Igbo peoples (Nigeria).c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood
The shrine reflects the great value the Igbo place on individual achievement. Personal shrines are created in the form of figures known as ikenga to honor the power and skills of a person’s right hand, as the right hand holds the hoe, the sword, and the tools of craftsmanship. The basic form of an ikenga is a human figure with horns symbolizing power, sometimes reduced to only a head with horns on a base.
Lukasa (memory board)
Mbudye Society, Luba peoples (Democratic Rpublic of the Congo). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, beads, and metal
More detailed information is conveyed on the front and back of the board. On the lukasa’s “inside” surface (the front), human faces represent chiefs, historical figures, and mbudye members. The rectangular, circular, and ovoid elements denote organizing features within the chief’s compound and the association’s meeting house and grounds. Its “outside” surface displays incised chevrons and diamonds representing the markings on a turtle’s carapace.
Mbudye Society, Luba peoples (Democratic Rpublic of the Congo). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, beads, and metal
More detailed information is conveyed on the front and back of the board. On the lukasa’s “inside” surface (the front), human faces represent chiefs, historical figures, and mbudye members. The rectangular, circular, and ovoid elements denote organizing features within the chief’s compound and the association’s meeting house and grounds. Its “outside” surface displays incised chevrons and diamonds representing the markings on a turtle’s carapace.
Aka elephant mask
Bamileke (Cameroon, western grassfields region). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, woven raffia, cloth, and beads
The elite Kuosi masking society controls the right to own and wear elephant masks, since both elephants and beadwork are symbols of political power in the kingdoms of the Cameroon grasslands. Masked performances have a variety of purposes. Both of the masks displayed here were performed to support political authority, but in different contexts. The mask may have exerted the will of village elders by imposing economic prohibitions or organizing hunting parties to provide for and protect the village.
Bamileke (Cameroon, western grassfields region). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, woven raffia, cloth, and beads
The elite Kuosi masking society controls the right to own and wear elephant masks, since both elephants and beadwork are symbols of political power in the kingdoms of the Cameroon grasslands. Masked performances have a variety of purposes. Both of the masks displayed here were performed to support political authority, but in different contexts. The mask may have exerted the will of village elders by imposing economic prohibitions or organizing hunting parties to provide for and protect the village.
Reliquary figure (byeri)
Fang peoples (southern Cameroon). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood
The Fang figure, a masterpiece by a known artist or workshop, has primarily been reduced to a series of basic shapes—cylinders and circles.
Fang peoples (southern Cameroon). c. 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood
The Fang figure, a masterpiece by a known artist or workshop, has primarily been reduced to a series of basic shapes—cylinders and circles.
Veranda post of enthroned king and senior wife (Opo Ogoga)
Olowe of Ise (Yoruba peoples). c. 1910-1914 C.E. Wood and pigment
It is considered among the artist’s masterpieces for the way it embodies his unique style, including the interrelationship of figures, their exaggerated proportions, and the open space between them
Olowe of Ise (Yoruba peoples). c. 1910-1914 C.E. Wood and pigment
It is considered among the artist’s masterpieces for the way it embodies his unique style, including the interrelationship of figures, their exaggerated proportions, and the open space between them
Petra, Jordan: Treasury and Great Temple
Nabateen Ptolemaic and Roman. c. 400 B.C.E – 100 C.E. Cut rock
These elaborate carvings are merely a prelude to one’s arrival into the heart of Petra, where the Treasury, or Khazneh, a monumental tomb, awaits to impress even the most jaded visitors. The natural, rich hues of Arabian light hit the remarkable façade, giving the Treasury its famed rose-red color.
Nabateen Ptolemaic and Roman. c. 400 B.C.E – 100 C.E. Cut rock
These elaborate carvings are merely a prelude to one’s arrival into the heart of Petra, where the Treasury, or Khazneh, a monumental tomb, awaits to impress even the most jaded visitors. The natural, rich hues of Arabian light hit the remarkable façade, giving the Treasury its famed rose-red color.
Buddha
Bamiyan, Afghanistan. Gandharan. c. 400-800 C.E. (destroyed in 2001). Cut rock with plaster and polychrome paint
The cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley represent the artistic and religious developments which from the 1st to the 13th centuries characterized ancient Bakhtria, integrating various cultural influences into the Gandhara school of Buddhist art.
Bamiyan, Afghanistan. Gandharan. c. 400-800 C.E. (destroyed in 2001). Cut rock with plaster and polychrome paint
The cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley represent the artistic and religious developments which from the 1st to the 13th centuries characterized ancient Bakhtria, integrating various cultural influences into the Gandhara school of Buddhist art.
The Kaaba
Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Islamic. Pre-Islamic monument; rededicated by Muhammad in 631-632 C.E.; multiple renovations. Granite masonry, covered with silk curtain and calligraphy in gold and silver-wrapped thread
Cubed building known as the Kaba may not rival skyscrapers in height or mansions in width, but its impact on history and human beings is unmatched. The Kaba is the building towards which Muslims face five times a day, everyday, in prayer. This has been the case since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) over 1400 years ago.
Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Islamic. Pre-Islamic monument; rededicated by Muhammad in 631-632 C.E.; multiple renovations. Granite masonry, covered with silk curtain and calligraphy in gold and silver-wrapped thread
Cubed building known as the Kaba may not rival skyscrapers in height or mansions in width, but its impact on history and human beings is unmatched. The Kaba is the building towards which Muslims face five times a day, everyday, in prayer. This has been the case since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) over 1400 years ago.
Jowo Rinpoche, enshrined in the Jokhang Temple
Lhasa, Tibet. Yarlung Dynasty. Believed to have been brought to Tibet in 641 C.E. Gilt metals with sempirecious stones, pearls, and paint; various offerings
The Jowo Rinpoche statue, Tibet’s most revered religious icon, was made in India by Vishakarma during Buddha Shakyamuni’s lifetime. At the time of the Buddha, there were only two statues of this type. The other one is still at Bodhgaya.
Lhasa, Tibet. Yarlung Dynasty. Believed to have been brought to Tibet in 641 C.E. Gilt metals with sempirecious stones, pearls, and paint; various offerings
The Jowo Rinpoche statue, Tibet’s most revered religious icon, was made in India by Vishakarma during Buddha Shakyamuni’s lifetime. At the time of the Buddha, there were only two statues of this type. The other one is still at Bodhgaya.
Dome of the Rock
Jerusalem. Islamic, Umayyad. 691-629 C.E., with multiple renovations. Stone masonry and wooden roof decorated with glazed ceramic tile, mosaics, and gilt aluminum and bronze dome
The Dome of the Rock is a building of extraordinary beauty, solidity, elegance, and singularity of shape… Both outside and inside, the decoration is so magnificent and the workmanship so surpassing as to defy description. The greater part is covered with gold so that the eyes of one who gazes on its beauties are dazzled by its brilliance, now glowing like a mass of light, now flashing like lightning.
Jerusalem. Islamic, Umayyad. 691-629 C.E., with multiple renovations. Stone masonry and wooden roof decorated with glazed ceramic tile, mosaics, and gilt aluminum and bronze dome
The Dome of the Rock is a building of extraordinary beauty, solidity, elegance, and singularity of shape… Both outside and inside, the decoration is so magnificent and the workmanship so surpassing as to defy description. The greater part is covered with gold so that the eyes of one who gazes on its beauties are dazzled by its brilliance, now glowing like a mass of light, now flashing like lightning.
Great Mosque (Masjid-e Jameh)
Isfahan, Iran. Islamic, Persian: Seljuk, Il-Khanid, Timurid and Safavid Dynasties. c. 700 C.E.; additions and restorations in the 14th, 18th, and 20th centuries C.E. Stone, brick, wood, plaster, and glazed ceramic tile
The Great Mosque of Isfahan in Iran is unique in this regard and thus enjoys a special place in the history of Islamic architecture. Its present configuration is the sum of building and decorating activities carried out from the 8th through the 20th centuries. It is an architectural documentary, visually embodying the political exigencies and aesthetic tastes of the great Islamic empires of Persia.
Isfahan, Iran. Islamic, Persian: Seljuk, Il-Khanid, Timurid and Safavid Dynasties. c. 700 C.E.; additions and restorations in the 14th, 18th, and 20th centuries C.E. Stone, brick, wood, plaster, and glazed ceramic tile
The Great Mosque of Isfahan in Iran is unique in this regard and thus enjoys a special place in the history of Islamic architecture. Its present configuration is the sum of building and decorating activities carried out from the 8th through the 20th centuries. It is an architectural documentary, visually embodying the political exigencies and aesthetic tastes of the great Islamic empires of Persia.
Folio from a Qur’an
Arab, North Africa, or Near East. Abbasid. c. eighth to ninth century C.E. ink, color, and gold on parchment
The Qur’an is the sacred text of Islam, consisting of the divine revelation to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic. Over the course of the first century and a half of Islam, the form of the manuscript was adapted to suit the dignity and splendor of this divine revelation. However, the word Qur’an, which means “recitation,” suggests that manuscripts were of secondary importance to oral tradition. In fact, the 114 chapters of the Qur’an were compiled into a textual format, organized from longest to shortest, only after the death of Muhammad, although scholars still debate exactly when this might have occurred.
Arab, North Africa, or Near East. Abbasid. c. eighth to ninth century C.E. ink, color, and gold on parchment
The Qur’an is the sacred text of Islam, consisting of the divine revelation to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic. Over the course of the first century and a half of Islam, the form of the manuscript was adapted to suit the dignity and splendor of this divine revelation. However, the word Qur’an, which means “recitation,” suggests that manuscripts were of secondary importance to oral tradition. In fact, the 114 chapters of the Qur’an were compiled into a textual format, organized from longest to shortest, only after the death of Muhammad, although scholars still debate exactly when this might have occurred.
Basin (Baptistère de Saint Louis)
Muhammad ibn al-Zain. c. 1320-1340 C.E. Brass inlaid with gold and silver
The Mamluks, the majority of whom were ethnic Turks, were a group of warrior slaves who took control of several Muslim states and established a dynasty that ruled Egypt and Syria from 1250 until the Ottoman conquest in 1517.
The political and military dominance of the Mamluks was accompanied by a flourishing artistic culture renowned across the medieval world for its glass, textiles, and metalwork.
Muhammad ibn al-Zain. c. 1320-1340 C.E. Brass inlaid with gold and silver
The Mamluks, the majority of whom were ethnic Turks, were a group of warrior slaves who took control of several Muslim states and established a dynasty that ruled Egypt and Syria from 1250 until the Ottoman conquest in 1517.
The political and military dominance of the Mamluks was accompanied by a flourishing artistic culture renowned across the medieval world for its glass, textiles, and metalwork.
Bahram Gur Fights the Karg, folio from the Great Il-Khanid Shahnama
Islamic; Persian, Il’Khanid. c. 1330-1340 C.E. Ink and opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
This folio is from a celebrated copy of the text known as the Great Ilkhanid Shahnama, one of the most complex masterpieces of Persian art. Because of its lavish production, it is assumed to have been commissioned by a high-ranking member of the Ilkhanid court and produced at the court scriptorium. The fifty-seven surviving illustrations reflect the intense interest in historical chronicles and the experimental approach to painting of the Ilkhanid period (1256-1335). The eclectic paintings reveal the cosmopolitanism of the Ilkhanid court in Tabriz, which teemed with merchants, missionaries, and diplomats from as far away as Europe and China. Here the Iranian king Bahram Gur wears a robe made of European fabric to slay a fearsome horned wolf in a setting marked by the conventions of Chinese landscape painting.
Islamic; Persian, Il’Khanid. c. 1330-1340 C.E. Ink and opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
This folio is from a celebrated copy of the text known as the Great Ilkhanid Shahnama, one of the most complex masterpieces of Persian art. Because of its lavish production, it is assumed to have been commissioned by a high-ranking member of the Ilkhanid court and produced at the court scriptorium. The fifty-seven surviving illustrations reflect the intense interest in historical chronicles and the experimental approach to painting of the Ilkhanid period (1256-1335). The eclectic paintings reveal the cosmopolitanism of the Ilkhanid court in Tabriz, which teemed with merchants, missionaries, and diplomats from as far away as Europe and China. Here the Iranian king Bahram Gur wears a robe made of European fabric to slay a fearsome horned wolf in a setting marked by the conventions of Chinese landscape painting.
The Court of Gayumars, folio from Shah Tahmasp’s Shahnama
Sultan Muhammad. c. 1522-1525 C.E. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
His painting combines an ingenious composition with a broad palette dominated by cool colors, each element minutely and precisely rendered in a technique that defies comprehension. Though the painting is large and even spills out into the gold-flecked margins, Sultan Muhammad populates the scene with countless figures, animals, and details of landscape, but in such a way that does not compromise legibility. The level of detail is so intense that the viewer is scarcely able to absorb everything, no matter how closely he looks
Sultan Muhammad. c. 1522-1525 C.E. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
His painting combines an ingenious composition with a broad palette dominated by cool colors, each element minutely and precisely rendered in a technique that defies comprehension. Though the painting is large and even spills out into the gold-flecked margins, Sultan Muhammad populates the scene with countless figures, animals, and details of landscape, but in such a way that does not compromise legibility. The level of detail is so intense that the viewer is scarcely able to absorb everything, no matter how closely he looks
The Ardabil Carpet
Maqsud of Kashan. 1539-1540 C.E. Silk and wool
The Ardabil Carpet is exceptional; it is one of the world’s oldest Islamic carpets, as well as one of the largest, most beautiful and historically important. It is not only stunning in its own right, but it is bound up with the history of one of the great political dynasties of Iran.
Maqsud of Kashan. 1539-1540 C.E. Silk and wool
The Ardabil Carpet is exceptional; it is one of the world’s oldest Islamic carpets, as well as one of the largest, most beautiful and historically important. It is not only stunning in its own right, but it is bound up with the history of one of the great political dynasties of Iran.
Great Stupa at Sanchi
Madhya Pradesh, India. Buddhist; Maurya, late Sunga Dynasty. c. 300 B.C.E. – 100 B.C.E. Stone masonry, sandstone on dome
It was probably begun by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the mid-3rd century bce and later enlarged. Solid throughout, it is enclosed by a massive stone railing pierced by four gateways, which are adorned with elaborate carvings (known as Sanchi sculpture) depicting the life of the Buddha.
Madhya Pradesh, India. Buddhist; Maurya, late Sunga Dynasty. c. 300 B.C.E. – 100 B.C.E. Stone masonry, sandstone on dome
It was probably begun by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the mid-3rd century bce and later enlarged. Solid throughout, it is enclosed by a massive stone railing pierced by four gateways, which are adorned with elaborate carvings (known as Sanchi sculpture) depicting the life of the Buddha.
Terra cotta warriors from mausoleum of the first Qin emperor of China
Qin Dynasty. c. 221-209 B.C.E. Painted terra cotta
One of the most extraordinary features of the terracotta warriors is that each appears to have distinct features—an incredible feat of craftsmanship and production. Despite the custom construction of these figures, studies of their proportions reveal that their frames were created using an assembly production system that paved the way for advances in mass production and commerce.
Qin Dynasty. c. 221-209 B.C.E. Painted terra cotta
One of the most extraordinary features of the terracotta warriors is that each appears to have distinct features—an incredible feat of craftsmanship and production. Despite the custom construction of these figures, studies of their proportions reveal that their frames were created using an assembly production system that paved the way for advances in mass production and commerce.
Funeral banner of Lady Dai (Xin Zhui)
Han Dynasty, China. c. 180 B.C.E. Painted silk
In the mourning scene, we can also appreciate the importance of Lady Dai’s banner for understanding how artists began to represent depth and space in early Chinese painting. They made efforts to indicate depth through the use of the overlapping bodies of the mourners. They also made objects in the foreground larger, and objects in the background smaller, to create the illusion of space in the mourning hall.
Han Dynasty, China. c. 180 B.C.E. Painted silk
In the mourning scene, we can also appreciate the importance of Lady Dai’s banner for understanding how artists began to represent depth and space in early Chinese painting. They made efforts to indicate depth through the use of the overlapping bodies of the mourners. They also made objects in the foreground larger, and objects in the background smaller, to create the illusion of space in the mourning hall.
Longmen caves
Luoyang, China. Tang Dynasty. 493-1127 C.E. Limestone
the aesthetic elements and features of the Chinese cave temples’ art, including the layout, material, function, traditional technique and location, and the intrinsic link between the layout and the various elements have been preserved and passed on. Great efforts have been made to maintain the historical appearance of the caves and preserve and pass on the original Buddhist culture and its spiritual and aesthetic functions, while always adhering to the principle of “Retaining the historic condition”.
Luoyang, China. Tang Dynasty. 493-1127 C.E. Limestone
the aesthetic elements and features of the Chinese cave temples’ art, including the layout, material, function, traditional technique and location, and the intrinsic link between the layout and the various elements have been preserved and passed on. Great efforts have been made to maintain the historical appearance of the caves and preserve and pass on the original Buddhist culture and its spiritual and aesthetic functions, while always adhering to the principle of “Retaining the historic condition”.
Gold and jade crown
Three Kingdoms Period, Silla Kingdom, Korea. Fifth to sixth century C.E. Metalwork
The general structure and imagery of this set echo the regalia used by rulers of the many nomadic confederations that roamed the Eurasian steppes for millennia, and, to a lesser extent, pieces found in China. However, Silla tombs such as Hwangnam Daechong have yielded larger quantities and more spectacular gold adornments.
Three Kingdoms Period, Silla Kingdom, Korea. Fifth to sixth century C.E. Metalwork
The general structure and imagery of this set echo the regalia used by rulers of the many nomadic confederations that roamed the Eurasian steppes for millennia, and, to a lesser extent, pieces found in China. However, Silla tombs such as Hwangnam Daechong have yielded larger quantities and more spectacular gold adornments.
Todai-ji
Nara, Japan. Various artist, including sculptors Unkei and Keikei, as well as the Kei School. 743 C.E.; rebuilt c. 1700. Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic-tile roofing (architecture)
Todaiji represented the culmination of imperial Buddhist architecture. Todaiji is famous for housing Japan’s largest Buddha statue. It housed the largest wooden building the world has yet seen. Even the 2/3 scale reconstruction, finished in the 17th century, it remains the largest wooden building on earth today.
Nara, Japan. Various artist, including sculptors Unkei and Keikei, as well as the Kei School. 743 C.E.; rebuilt c. 1700. Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic-tile roofing (architecture)
Todaiji represented the culmination of imperial Buddhist architecture. Todaiji is famous for housing Japan’s largest Buddha statue. It housed the largest wooden building the world has yet seen. Even the 2/3 scale reconstruction, finished in the 17th century, it remains the largest wooden building on earth today.
Borobudur Temple
Central Java, Indonesia. Sailendra Dynasty. c. 750-842 C.E. Volcanic-stone masonry
The temple sits in cosmic proximity to the nearby volcano Mt. Merapi. During certain times of the year the path of the rising sun in the East seems to emerge out of the mountain to strike the temple’s peak in radiant synergy. Light illuminates the stone in a way that is intended to be more than beautiful. The brilliance of the site can be found in how the Borobudur mandala blends the metaphysical and physical, the symbolic and the material, the cosmological and the earthly within the structure of its physical setting and the framework of spiritual paradox.
Central Java, Indonesia. Sailendra Dynasty. c. 750-842 C.E. Volcanic-stone masonry
The temple sits in cosmic proximity to the nearby volcano Mt. Merapi. During certain times of the year the path of the rising sun in the East seems to emerge out of the mountain to strike the temple’s peak in radiant synergy. Light illuminates the stone in a way that is intended to be more than beautiful. The brilliance of the site can be found in how the Borobudur mandala blends the metaphysical and physical, the symbolic and the material, the cosmological and the earthly within the structure of its physical setting and the framework of spiritual paradox.
Angkor, the temple of Angkor Wat, and the city of Angkor Thom, Cambodia
Hindu, Angkor Dynasty. c. 800-1400 C.E. Stone masonry, sandstone
Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. There were many changes in architecture and artistic style at Angkor, and there was a religious movement from the Hindu cult of the god Shiva to that of Vishnu and then to a Mahayana Buddhist cult devoted to the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Hindu, Angkor Dynasty. c. 800-1400 C.E. Stone masonry, sandstone
Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. There were many changes in architecture and artistic style at Angkor, and there was a religious movement from the Hindu cult of the god Shiva to that of Vishnu and then to a Mahayana Buddhist cult devoted to the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Lakshmana Temple
Khajuraho, India. Hindu, Chandella Dynasty. c. 930-950 C.E. Sandstone
Though the temple is one of the oldest in the Khajuraho fields, it is also one of the most exquistely decorated, covered almost completely with images of over 600 gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The main shrine of the temple, which faces east, is flanked by four freestanding subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform.
Khajuraho, India. Hindu, Chandella Dynasty. c. 930-950 C.E. Sandstone
Though the temple is one of the oldest in the Khajuraho fields, it is also one of the most exquistely decorated, covered almost completely with images of over 600 gods in the Hindu Pantheon. The main shrine of the temple, which faces east, is flanked by four freestanding subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform.
Travelers among Mountains and Streams
Fan Kuan. c. 1000 C.E. Ink and colors on silk
Fan Kuan’s masterpiece is an outstanding example of Chinese landscape painting. Long before Western artists considered landscape anything more than a setting for figures, Chinese painters had elevated landscape as a subject in its own right. Bounded by mountain ranges and bisected by two great rivers—the Yellow and the Yangzi—China’s natural landscape has played an important role in the shaping of the Chinese mind and character. From very early times, the Chinese viewed mountains as sacred and imagined them as the abode of immortals. The term for landscape painting in Chinese is translated as “mountain water painting.”
Fan Kuan. c. 1000 C.E. Ink and colors on silk
Fan Kuan’s masterpiece is an outstanding example of Chinese landscape painting. Long before Western artists considered landscape anything more than a setting for figures, Chinese painters had elevated landscape as a subject in its own right. Bounded by mountain ranges and bisected by two great rivers—the Yellow and the Yangzi—China’s natural landscape has played an important role in the shaping of the Chinese mind and character. From very early times, the Chinese viewed mountains as sacred and imagined them as the abode of immortals. The term for landscape painting in Chinese is translated as “mountain water painting.”
Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja)
Hindu; India (Tamil Nadu), Chola Dynasty. c. 11th century C.E. Cast bronze
It combines in a single image Shiva’s roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, world-famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas.
Hindu; India (Tamil Nadu), Chola Dynasty. c. 11th century C.E. Cast bronze
It combines in a single image Shiva’s roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, world-famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas.
Night Attack on the Sanjō Palace
Kamakura Period, Japan. c. 1250-1300 C.E. Handstroll (ink and color on paper)
The scene appearing here, entitled “A Night Attack on the Sanjo Palace” is the property of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and provides a rare and valuable depiction of Japanese armor as it was worn during the early Kamakura era (1185-1333). By contrast, most surviving picture scrolls showing warriors date from the fourteenth century and show later styles of armor.
Kamakura Period, Japan. c. 1250-1300 C.E. Handstroll (ink and color on paper)
The scene appearing here, entitled “A Night Attack on the Sanjo Palace” is the property of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and provides a rare and valuable depiction of Japanese armor as it was worn during the early Kamakura era (1185-1333). By contrast, most surviving picture scrolls showing warriors date from the fourteenth century and show later styles of armor.
The David Vases
Yuan Dynasty, China. 1351 C.E. White porcelain with cobalt-blue underglaze
These vases are among the most important examples of blue-and-white porcelain in existence, and are probably the best-known porcelain vases in the world. They were made for the altar of a Daoist temple and their importance lies in the dated inscriptions on one side of their necks, above the bands of dragons. The long dedication is the earliest known on Chinese blue-and-white wares. These vases were owned by Sir Percival David (1892-1964), who built the most important private collection of Chinese ceramics in the world.
Yuan Dynasty, China. 1351 C.E. White porcelain with cobalt-blue underglaze
These vases are among the most important examples of blue-and-white porcelain in existence, and are probably the best-known porcelain vases in the world. They were made for the altar of a Daoist temple and their importance lies in the dated inscriptions on one side of their necks, above the bands of dragons. The long dedication is the earliest known on Chinese blue-and-white wares. These vases were owned by Sir Percival David (1892-1964), who built the most important private collection of Chinese ceramics in the world.
Portrait of Sin Sukju (1417-1475)
Imperial Bureau of Painting. c. 15th century C.E. Hanging scroll (ink and color on silk)
The importance of this painting is represented in its location sat the Imperial Bureau of Painting. Silk was one of Asia’s main trade goods during the time; the popularity of this soft material was evident in the formation of the Silk Road. The high demand and value of this material indicates thus a high value of this artwork.
Imperial Bureau of Painting. c. 15th century C.E. Hanging scroll (ink and color on silk)
The importance of this painting is represented in its location sat the Imperial Bureau of Painting. Silk was one of Asia’s main trade goods during the time; the popularity of this soft material was evident in the formation of the Silk Road. The high demand and value of this material indicates thus a high value of this artwork.
Forbidden City
Beijing, China. Ming Dynasty. 15th century C.E. and later. Stone masonry, marble, brick, wood, and ceramic tile
It stands for the culmination of the development of classical Chinese and East Asian architecture and influences the development of Chinese architecture. The largest surviving wooden structure in China is surrounded by 7.9 meters (26 feet) high walls and 3,800 meters (2.4 miles) long moat.
Beijing, China. Ming Dynasty. 15th century C.E. and later. Stone masonry, marble, brick, wood, and ceramic tile
It stands for the culmination of the development of classical Chinese and East Asian architecture and influences the development of Chinese architecture. The largest surviving wooden structure in China is surrounded by 7.9 meters (26 feet) high walls and 3,800 meters (2.4 miles) long moat.
Ryoan-ji
Kyoto, Japan. Muromachi Period, Japan. 1480 C.E.; current design most likely dates to the 18th century. Rock garden
Kyoto’s most famous Zen garden is Ryoan-ji. Its raked gravel and 15 carefully placed stones make it the world’s most recognisable garden image. I love Ryoan-ji, which, despite the hoards of visitors adding their own snaps to the image load of the garden, still manages to instil a mood of mystery and quiet reflection. It was made by an unnamed monk in the 15th century and was the template for a dry stone Zen garden for four centuries – until Mirei Shigemori brought the Zen garden into the 20th century and introduced it to modernism.
Kyoto, Japan. Muromachi Period, Japan. 1480 C.E.; current design most likely dates to the 18th century. Rock garden
Kyoto’s most famous Zen garden is Ryoan-ji. Its raked gravel and 15 carefully placed stones make it the world’s most recognisable garden image. I love Ryoan-ji, which, despite the hoards of visitors adding their own snaps to the image load of the garden, still manages to instil a mood of mystery and quiet reflection. It was made by an unnamed monk in the 15th century and was the template for a dry stone Zen garden for four centuries – until Mirei Shigemori brought the Zen garden into the 20th century and introduced it to modernism.
Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh
Bichitr. c. 1620 C.E. Watercolor gold, and ink on paper
Jahangir’s artists begin to create allegorical portraits with symbolic references. This painting, for example, asserts that Jahangir favors the spiritual over the worldly. He hands a book, the most respected of objects in both Islam and the Mughal court, to a Sufi shaykh (a religious scholar). Below (and therefore implicitly less important than) the shaykh stand an Ottoman sultan and King James I of England. Bichitr’s self-portrait in the lower left corner conveys the respect that Jahangir accorded to painters.
Bichitr. c. 1620 C.E. Watercolor gold, and ink on paper
Jahangir’s artists begin to create allegorical portraits with symbolic references. This painting, for example, asserts that Jahangir favors the spiritual over the worldly. He hands a book, the most respected of objects in both Islam and the Mughal court, to a Sufi shaykh (a religious scholar). Below (and therefore implicitly less important than) the shaykh stand an Ottoman sultan and King James I of England. Bichitr’s self-portrait in the lower left corner conveys the respect that Jahangir accorded to painters.
Taj Mahal
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Masons, marble workers, mosaicists, and decorators working under the supervision of Ustad Ahmad Lahori, architect of the emperor. 1632-1653 C.E. Stone masonry and marble with inlay of precious and semiprecious stones; gardens
The Taj Mahal is an excellent example of the golden age of Muslim architecture. The design of the complex incorporates Iranian features such as octagonal shape, Indian features such as the bulbous dome and Asian features such as cylindrical minarets. Muslim decorative arts include calligraphy, geometry and flower forms. Most important was the ideal of symmetry as a major element in the design of the Taj Mahal.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Masons, marble workers, mosaicists, and decorators working under the supervision of Ustad Ahmad Lahori, architect of the emperor. 1632-1653 C.E. Stone masonry and marble with inlay of precious and semiprecious stones; gardens
The Taj Mahal is an excellent example of the golden age of Muslim architecture. The design of the complex incorporates Iranian features such as octagonal shape, Indian features such as the bulbous dome and Asian features such as cylindrical minarets. Muslim decorative arts include calligraphy, geometry and flower forms. Most important was the ideal of symmetry as a major element in the design of the Taj Mahal.
White and Red Plum Blossoms
Ogata Korin. c. 1710-1716 C.E. Ink, watercolor, and gold leaf on paper
This painting is one of his most famous works. The composition is rather startling. The white plum tree’s trunk is mostly outside of the screen, and one major branch comes back into the screen horizontally. All of these elements are combined to yield a stunning decorative effect which makes this pair of screens one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of Japanese art.
Ogata Korin. c. 1710-1716 C.E. Ink, watercolor, and gold leaf on paper
This painting is one of his most famous works. The composition is rather startling. The white plum tree’s trunk is mostly outside of the screen, and one major branch comes back into the screen horizontally. All of these elements are combined to yield a stunning decorative effect which makes this pair of screens one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of Japanese art.
Under the Wave of Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura), as known as the Great Wave, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji
Katsushika Hokusai. 1830-1833 C.E. Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper
The Great Wave has became one of the most famous works of art in the world—and debatably the most iconic work of Japanese art. Initially, thousands of copies of this print were quickly produced and sold cheaply. Despite the fact that it was created at a time when Japanese trade was heavily restricted, Hokusai’s print displays the influence of Dutch art, and proved to be inspirational for many artists working in Europe later in the nineteenth century.
Katsushika Hokusai. 1830-1833 C.E. Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper
The Great Wave has became one of the most famous works of art in the world—and debatably the most iconic work of Japanese art. Initially, thousands of copies of this print were quickly produced and sold cheaply. Despite the fact that it was created at a time when Japanese trade was heavily restricted, Hokusai’s print displays the influence of Dutch art, and proved to be inspirational for many artists working in Europe later in the nineteenth century.
Chairman Mao en Route to Anyuan
Artist unknown; based on oil painting by Lui Chunhua. c. 1969 C.E. Color lithograph
Chunhua Liu used the ideals of the Cultural Revolution and Socialist Realism to create his masterpiece. This poster is a lithographic reproduction of a painting in the style of Socialist Realism. the ideas conveyed in artworks were meant to permeate other cultures and to spread their philosophies
Artist unknown; based on oil painting by Lui Chunhua. c. 1969 C.E. Color lithograph
Chunhua Liu used the ideals of the Cultural Revolution and Socialist Realism to create his masterpiece. This poster is a lithographic reproduction of a painting in the style of Socialist Realism. the ideas conveyed in artworks were meant to permeate other cultures and to spread their philosophies
Nan Madol
Pohnpei, Micronesia. Saudeleur Dynasty. c. 700-1600 C.E. Basalt boulders and prismatic columns
The megalithic architecture that characterizes the site consists of long, naturally prismatic log-like basalt stones which were often built up over foundations of large basalt boulders to form high-walled rectangular enclosures. This type of architecture occurs only sporadically on the main island which suggests that the people who used these structures were of very high status.
Pohnpei, Micronesia. Saudeleur Dynasty. c. 700-1600 C.E. Basalt boulders and prismatic columns
The megalithic architecture that characterizes the site consists of long, naturally prismatic log-like basalt stones which were often built up over foundations of large basalt boulders to form high-walled rectangular enclosures. This type of architecture occurs only sporadically on the main island which suggests that the people who used these structures were of very high status.
Moai on platform (ahu)
Rapa Nui (Easter Island). c. 1100-1600 C.E. Volcanic tuff figures on basalt base
Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island (a name given to it by Europeans), is located in the southeast Pacific and is famous for its approximately 1,000 carvings of moai, human-faced statues.
Rapa Nui (Easter Island). c. 1100-1600 C.E. Volcanic tuff figures on basalt base
Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island (a name given to it by Europeans), is located in the southeast Pacific and is famous for its approximately 1,000 carvings of moai, human-faced statues.
‘Ahu ‘ula (feather cape)
Hawaiian. Late 18th century C.E. Feathers and fiber
Cloaks and helmets were beautiful in colour and design, intricately crafted, and of unusual materials. To add to their appeal, stories could be told of their effectiveness as armour in battle helmets strong enough to ward off blows to the head, cloaks that acted like flak jackets against sling stones and other weapons.
Hawaiian. Late 18th century C.E. Feathers and fiber
Cloaks and helmets were beautiful in colour and design, intricately crafted, and of unusual materials. To add to their appeal, stories could be told of their effectiveness as armour in battle helmets strong enough to ward off blows to the head, cloaks that acted like flak jackets against sling stones and other weapons.
Staff god
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, central Polynesia. Late 18th to early 19th century C.E. Wood, tapa, fiber, and feathers
A standing semihuman figure having claws, a feline face with crossed fangs, and a staff in each hand. Above his head, occupying two-thirds of the stone, is a towering, pillarlike structure
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, central Polynesia. Late 18th to early 19th century C.E. Wood, tapa, fiber, and feathers
A standing semihuman figure having claws, a feline face with crossed fangs, and a staff in each hand. Above his head, occupying two-thirds of the stone, is a towering, pillarlike structure
Female deity
Nukuoro, Micronesia. c. 18th to 19th century C.E. wood
Carving, these figurines were of smaller statrue and most likey required experice to achieve lines on the Deity.
Nukuoro, Micronesia. c. 18th to 19th century C.E. wood
Carving, these figurines were of smaller statrue and most likey required experice to achieve lines on the Deity.
Buk (mask)
Torres Strait. Mid-to late 19th century C.E. Turtle shell, wood, fiber, feathers, ad shell
Turtle-shell masks in the western Torres Strait reportedly were used during funerary ceremonies and increase rites (rituals designed to ensure bountiful harvests and an abundance of fish and game).
Torres Strait. Mid-to late 19th century C.E. Turtle shell, wood, fiber, feathers, ad shell
Turtle-shell masks in the western Torres Strait reportedly were used during funerary ceremonies and increase rites (rituals designed to ensure bountiful harvests and an abundance of fish and game).
Hiapo (tapa)
Niue. c. 1850-1900 C.E. Tapa or bark cloth, freehand painting
Tapa traditions were regionally unique and historically widespread throughout the Polynesian Islands. Eastern Polynesia did not experience a continuous tradition of tapa production, however, the art form is still produced today, particularly in the Hawaiian and the Marquesas Islands.
Niue. c. 1850-1900 C.E. Tapa or bark cloth, freehand painting
Tapa traditions were regionally unique and historically widespread throughout the Polynesian Islands. Eastern Polynesia did not experience a continuous tradition of tapa production, however, the art form is still produced today, particularly in the Hawaiian and the Marquesas Islands.
Tamati Waka Nene
Gottfried Lindauer. 1890 C.E. Oil on canvas
Smooth brushstrokes, painted to show kind nature of the chief, compassionate, similar portrait style to the Mona Lisa, painted with tribal face paint to reinforce culture
Gottfried Lindauer. 1890 C.E. Oil on canvas
Smooth brushstrokes, painted to show kind nature of the chief, compassionate, similar portrait style to the Mona Lisa, painted with tribal face paint to reinforce culture
Navigation chart
Marshall Islands, Micronesia. 19th to early 20th century C.E. Wood and fiber
Slopped lines that indicate wave swell show technological advancement in society, intricate weaving
Marshall Islands, Micronesia. 19th to early 20th century C.E. Wood and fiber
Slopped lines that indicate wave swell show technological advancement in society, intricate weaving
Malagan display and mask
New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. c. 20th century C.E. Wood, pigment, fiber, and shell
To serve as visual part of ceremony in which the dead are celebrated and assisted in their transition to the spiritual realm, the ceremonies length can be from months to years so sturdy materials for elaborate structures can withstand long time frame.
New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. c. 20th century C.E. Wood, pigment, fiber, and shell
To serve as visual part of ceremony in which the dead are celebrated and assisted in their transition to the spiritual realm, the ceremonies length can be from months to years so sturdy materials for elaborate structures can withstand long time frame.
Presentation of Fijian mats and tapa cloths to Queen Elizabeth II
Fiji, Polynesia. 1953 C.E. Multimedia performance (costume; cosmetics, including scent; chant; movement; and pandanus fiber/hibiscus fiber mats), photographic documentation
To show respect and gratitude towards Queen Elizabeth II for visiting Tonga and for commemorating the war memorial. Also I believe this served as a way of the two countries signaling their alliance and partnership.
Fiji, Polynesia. 1953 C.E. Multimedia performance (costume; cosmetics, including scent; chant; movement; and pandanus fiber/hibiscus fiber mats), photographic documentation
To show respect and gratitude towards Queen Elizabeth II for visiting Tonga and for commemorating the war memorial. Also I believe this served as a way of the two countries signaling their alliance and partnership.
The Gates
New York City, U.S. Christo and Jeanne-Claude. 1979-2005 C.E. Mixed-media installation
he Gates remains a complex testament to two controversial topics in contemporary art: how to create meaningful public art and how art responds to and impacts our relationship with the built environment.
New York City, U.S. Christo and Jeanne-Claude. 1979-2005 C.E. Mixed-media installation
he Gates remains a complex testament to two controversial topics in contemporary art: how to create meaningful public art and how art responds to and impacts our relationship with the built environment.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Washington, D.C., U.S. Maya Lin. 1982 C.E. Granite.
The strength of the granite contrasts with softness of the grass and brings a balance to both nature and architecture.
Washington, D.C., U.S. Maya Lin. 1982 C.E. Granite.
The strength of the granite contrasts with softness of the grass and brings a balance to both nature and architecture.
Horn Players
Jean-Michel Basquiat. 1983 C.E. Acrylic and oil paintstick on three canvas panels
Honed his signature painting style of obsessive scribbling, elusive symbols and diagrams, and mask-and-skull imagery by the time he was 20.
Jean-Michel Basquiat. 1983 C.E. Acrylic and oil paintstick on three canvas panels
Honed his signature painting style of obsessive scribbling, elusive symbols and diagrams, and mask-and-skull imagery by the time he was 20.
Summer Trees
Song Su-nam. 1983 C.E. Ink on paper
He wanted to show appreciation for the ancient Asian brush techniques and to redisplay/re-envoke the Asian landscape. This painting blends traditional subtle brush techniques with modern day style
Song Su-nam. 1983 C.E. Ink on paper
He wanted to show appreciation for the ancient Asian brush techniques and to redisplay/re-envoke the Asian landscape. This painting blends traditional subtle brush techniques with modern day style
Androgyne III
Magdalena Abakanowicz. 1985 C.E. Burlap, resin, wood, nails, and string
The creases, ridges, and veins of the hardened-fiber surface assume organic characteristics, reminiscent of the earth’s rough surface or the cellular composition of human skin. The artist felt that it was these characteristics and manifestations that make fiber the base unit of the universe.
Magdalena Abakanowicz. 1985 C.E. Burlap, resin, wood, nails, and string
The creases, ridges, and veins of the hardened-fiber surface assume organic characteristics, reminiscent of the earth’s rough surface or the cellular composition of human skin. The artist felt that it was these characteristics and manifestations that make fiber the base unit of the universe.
A Book from the sky
Xu Bing. Beijing, China. 1987-1991 C.E. Mixed-media installation
The book’s characters were carved into individual pieces of movable type made from pear wood, in a style slightly squatter than that of Song typefaces.
Xu Bing. Beijing, China. 1987-1991 C.E. Mixed-media installation
The book’s characters were carved into individual pieces of movable type made from pear wood, in a style slightly squatter than that of Song typefaces.
Pink Panther
Jeff Koons. 1988 C.E. Glazed porcelain
This piece is a part of his Banality series. It is a reflection of pop culture, juxtaposing the namesake popular children’s’ cartoon character with Jayne Mansfield, a sex symbol. Four essentially identical Pink Panther sculptures exist. They are an example of kitsch, meant to appeal to the masses. This piece later grew to be considered high art due to its popularity.
Jeff Koons. 1988 C.E. Glazed porcelain
This piece is a part of his Banality series. It is a reflection of pop culture, juxtaposing the namesake popular children’s’ cartoon character with Jayne Mansfield, a sex symbol. Four essentially identical Pink Panther sculptures exist. They are an example of kitsch, meant to appeal to the masses. This piece later grew to be considered high art due to its popularity.
Untitled (#228), from the History Portraits series
Cindy Sherman. Rome, Italy. 1990 C.E. Photograph
She draws attention to the staged and often mannered nature of historical portrait paintings, while also playfully mocking the discipline of art history.
Cindy Sherman. Rome, Italy. 1990 C.E. Photograph
She draws attention to the staged and often mannered nature of historical portrait paintings, while also playfully mocking the discipline of art history.
Dancing at the Louvre, from the series The French Collectiom, Part I; #1
Faith Ringgold. France, Europe. 1991 C.E. Acrylic on canvas, tie-dyed, pieced fabric border
To break boundaries and combine a multitude of artistic techniques. Combines Modern art, African-American culture, and personal experiences
Faith Ringgold. France, Europe. 1991 C.E. Acrylic on canvas, tie-dyed, pieced fabric border
To break boundaries and combine a multitude of artistic techniques. Combines Modern art, African-American culture, and personal experiences
Trade (Gifts for Trading Land with White People) Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. Virginia. 1992 C.E. Oil and mixed media on canvas.
Illustrates historical and contemporary inequities between Native Americans and the United States government.
Illustrates historical and contemporary inequities between Native Americans and the United States government.
Earth’s Creation
Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Utopia Australia. 1994 C.E. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas.
Dump dot technique – using the brush to pound the paint onto the canvas and create layers of colour and movement.
Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Utopia Australia. 1994 C.E. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas.
Dump dot technique – using the brush to pound the paint onto the canvas and create layers of colour and movement.
Rebellious Silence, from the Women of Allah series Shirin Neshat (artist); photo by Cynthia Preston. 1994 C.E. Ink on photograph.
Photograph, Farsi decorates the artists face, black and white, image shows a veiled woman with the barrel of a gun pointing straight up dividing her face. Her gaze looks directly at the viewer with unwavering confidence.
Photograph, Farsi decorates the artists face, black and white, image shows a veiled woman with the barrel of a gun pointing straight up dividing her face. Her gaze looks directly at the viewer with unwavering confidence.
En la Barberia no se Llora (No Crying Allowed in the Barbershop)
Pepon Osorio. 1994 C.E. Mixedmedia installation.
Challenges definitions of masculinity, it also brings up in a more subtle way—the relationship between machismo and homophobia, violence, and infidelity, and the ways in which popular culture, religion, and politics help craft these identities and issues.
Pepon Osorio. 1994 C.E. Mixedmedia installation.
Challenges definitions of masculinity, it also brings up in a more subtle way—the relationship between machismo and homophobia, violence, and infidelity, and the ways in which popular culture, religion, and politics help craft these identities and issues.
Pisupo Lua Afe (Corned Beef 2000)
Michel Tuffery. New Zealand. 1994 C.E. Mixed media
The meaning of this work is to raise questions about the effects colonial economies have had on Pacific peoples and whether foreign intervention actually encourages independence or fosters dependency. The way in which it is presented is very different and shocking.
Michel Tuffery. New Zealand. 1994 C.E. Mixed media
The meaning of this work is to raise questions about the effects colonial economies have had on Pacific peoples and whether foreign intervention actually encourages independence or fosters dependency. The way in which it is presented is very different and shocking.
Electronic Superhighway
Nam June Paik. 1995 C.E. Mixed-media installation (49-channel closedcircuit video installation, neon, steel, and electronic components).
It is an enormous physical object that occupies a middle ground between the virtual reality of the media and the sprawling country beyond our doors.
Nam June Paik. 1995 C.E. Mixed-media installation (49-channel closedcircuit video installation, neon, steel, and electronic components).
It is an enormous physical object that occupies a middle ground between the virtual reality of the media and the sprawling country beyond our doors.
The Crossing
Bill Viola. 1996 C.E. Video/sound installation
To evoke the viewer’s senses and create a feeling of spirituality. His work focuses and sensory perception and tries to take viewers on a trip to the spiritual realm. The videos are able to accomplish this through slow motion, contrasts in scale, shifts in focus, mirrored reflections, etc.
Bill Viola. 1996 C.E. Video/sound installation
To evoke the viewer’s senses and create a feeling of spirituality. His work focuses and sensory perception and tries to take viewers on a trip to the spiritual realm. The videos are able to accomplish this through slow motion, contrasts in scale, shifts in focus, mirrored reflections, etc.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Spain. Frank Gehry (architect). 1997 C.E. Titanium, glass, and limestone.
A museum to challenge assumptions about art museum collecting and programming with its inventive design. To showcase great fine art exhibitions and further the redevelopment of the city Bilbao.
Spain. Frank Gehry (architect). 1997 C.E. Titanium, glass, and limestone.
A museum to challenge assumptions about art museum collecting and programming with its inventive design. To showcase great fine art exhibitions and further the redevelopment of the city Bilbao.
Pure Land
Mariko Mori. Tokyo, Japan. 1998. C.E. Color photograph on glass
To create a meditative environment that provides the audience with a sense of tranquility and transcendence. Allow the viewer to transport to Nirvana, as well as to represent a personal journey
Mariko Mori. Tokyo, Japan. 1998. C.E. Color photograph on glass
To create a meditative environment that provides the audience with a sense of tranquility and transcendence. Allow the viewer to transport to Nirvana, as well as to represent a personal journey
Lying with the Wolf
Kiki Smith. New York. 2001 C.E. Ink and pencil on paper
Featuring an act of bonding between human and animal, reverence for the natural world. ther domestic piece of fabric. The depiction of a woman and dangerous animal so easily coexisting is a powerful visual message, one that reminds us of Biblical characters, figures from Greek myth, and even eastern deities.
Kiki Smith. New York. 2001 C.E. Ink and pencil on paper
Featuring an act of bonding between human and animal, reverence for the natural world. ther domestic piece of fabric. The depiction of a woman and dangerous animal so easily coexisting is a powerful visual message, one that reminds us of Biblical characters, figures from Greek myth, and even eastern deities.
Darkytown Rebellion
Kara Walker. 2001 C.E. Cut paper and projection on wall.
Black silhouettes against colorful background, sharp lines, distinct and defined shapes. The actual subject of the work is meant to reflect the antebellum South during the time of slavery. Many southern African-American stereotypes are still present today and Walker hoped to make viewers realize how subconsciously they had these premeditated ideas about the figures and the assumptions about race they automatically made because of popular culture.
Kara Walker. 2001 C.E. Cut paper and projection on wall.
Black silhouettes against colorful background, sharp lines, distinct and defined shapes. The actual subject of the work is meant to reflect the antebellum South during the time of slavery. Many southern African-American stereotypes are still present today and Walker hoped to make viewers realize how subconsciously they had these premeditated ideas about the figures and the assumptions about race they automatically made because of popular culture.
The Swing (after Fragonard)
Yinka Shonibare. Sheffield. 2001 C.E. Mixed-media installation
Meant to be seen straight on but due to 3 dimensions viewers can walk around the installation and view from different points, like the original subjects in the painting. The work depicts a summary of the scene in the original painting but leaves out some elements of the painting.
Yinka Shonibare. Sheffield. 2001 C.E. Mixed-media installation
Meant to be seen straight on but due to 3 dimensions viewers can walk around the installation and view from different points, like the original subjects in the painting. The work depicts a summary of the scene in the original painting but leaves out some elements of the painting.
Old Man’s Cloth
El Anatsui. Southern Nigeria. 2003 C.E. Aluminum and copper wire
A statement piece to remember his regions history and culture through using elements related to the most influential and culture-shaping events. This piece specifically is meant to serve as a reminder of the uneasy history of trade between Europe and Africa.
El Anatsui. Southern Nigeria. 2003 C.E. Aluminum and copper wire
A statement piece to remember his regions history and culture through using elements related to the most influential and culture-shaping events. This piece specifically is meant to serve as a reminder of the uneasy history of trade between Europe and Africa.
Stadia II
Julie Mehretu. New York. 2004 C.E. Ink and acrylic on canvas
Stadia II is meant to portray a large stadium, A sports arena. Country flags, confetti, and the eruption of the crowd are prevalent.
Julie Mehretu. New York. 2004 C.E. Ink and acrylic on canvas
Stadia II is meant to portray a large stadium, A sports arena. Country flags, confetti, and the eruption of the crowd are prevalent.
Preying Mantra
Wangechi Mutu. 2006 C.E. Mixed media on Mylar
The function of this piece is to invite viewers to explore the stereotypes about the female African body as explicitly sexual, dangerous, and aesthetically deformed in relation to those of Western lands.
Wangechi Mutu. 2006 C.E. Mixed media on Mylar
The function of this piece is to invite viewers to explore the stereotypes about the female African body as explicitly sexual, dangerous, and aesthetically deformed in relation to those of Western lands.
Shibboleth
Doris Salcedo. Turbine Hall, London. 2007-2008 C.E. Installation
she uses this giant crack on the floor of ceremonial hall as a symbol of racism, discrimination, and colonialism that separated one being from each other. Through this art piece she addresses that the modernity is a result of colonial exploitation of the “stronger” from the “weaker”.
Doris Salcedo. Turbine Hall, London. 2007-2008 C.E. Installation
she uses this giant crack on the floor of ceremonial hall as a symbol of racism, discrimination, and colonialism that separated one being from each other. Through this art piece she addresses that the modernity is a result of colonial exploitation of the “stronger” from the “weaker”.
MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts
Rome, Italy. Zaha Hadid (architect). 2009 C.E. Glass, steel, and cement.
The building is repetitive in that the architecture is supposed to mimic movement to depict the progressiveness of the future of architecture and building.
Rome, Italy. Zaha Hadid (architect). 2009 C.E. Glass, steel, and cement.
The building is repetitive in that the architecture is supposed to mimic movement to depict the progressiveness of the future of architecture and building.
Kui Hua Zi (Sunflower Seeds)
Ai Weiwei. 2010-2011 C.E. Sculpted and painted porcelain.
The material used, the way it was produced and the narrative/personal content make this work a powerful commentary on the human condition.
Ai Weiwei. 2010-2011 C.E. Sculpted and painted porcelain.
The material used, the way it was produced and the narrative/personal content make this work a powerful commentary on the human condition.
