What is cloisonné?
Discovered during an archaeological dig at Sutton Hoo, a shoulder-clasp’s intricate craftsmanship helps us understand cloisonné.
Francisco de Zurbarán's Saint Lucy and Spanish Baroque Realism
Francisco de Zurbarán's Saint Lucy is a notable example of Spanish Baroque realism from 1625–30.
April Calendar Page in the Medieval Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
In a scene from the medieval illuminated manuscript known as Très Riches Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry, nobles gather for a wedding and to pick wildflowers.
Raphael, Portrait of Julius II—The Warrior Pope
The Renaissance artist Raphael depicted the powerful and controversial Pope Julius II in a portrait painted around 1511.
How to Do a Visual Analysis in Art History: A Formal Analysis of Painting
This video explains how to do a visual analysis (formal analysis) of a painting—Albrecht Dürer’s image of Saint Jerome.
The Medieval Irish Bell-Shrine of St. Mura
This video examines the Irish medieval Bell-Shrine of St. Mura, a relic and reliquary that gives us insight into early Christianity, faith, and community in the early Middle Ages in Ireland.
March in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
What did March look like in the Middle Ages? A famous illuminated manuscript gives us insight!
What is a cartoon? | Leonardo da Vinci’s Burlington House Cartoon
A large drawing by Leonardo da Vinci shows an intimate grouping of figures: Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus Christ, and John the Baptist. The work is known as a “cartoon.”
What is Neoclassicism?
Jacques-Louis David's The Death of Socrates is one of the best expressions of Neoclassicism paintings in Art History—find out why!
February in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
What did February look like in the Middle Ages? A famous illuminated manuscript gives us insight!
What is Rococo Art?
Fragonard's The Swing embodies the Rococo, an 18th-century art movement, which is one of the most distinctive in art history for its elegance, sensuality, and fascination with pleasure.
What is tempera paint? Explore with Paolo Uccello’s Battle of San Romano
Because tempera must be applied in many thin, quickly drying layers, its technique demanded precision and planning, helping explain the jewel-like detail and refined surfaces of Uccello’s work.
What is oil paint? Explore with Jan van Eyck's Annunciation
Jan’s mastery of light, color, and texture brings this divine moment to life. How did he do it? With oil paint!
Eleanora di Toledo, Duchess of Florence
In a spectacular portrait of Eleonora di Toledo, the second Duchess of Florence, she sits beside her young son Giovanni.
Filippo Lippi's Madonna and Child with Two Angels
Italian Renaissance artist Filippo Lippi’s painting of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child supported by two angels (c. 1465) is an image rich in religious and social meaning.
Raphael, Portrait of Lady with a Unicorn
Learn to read the painting, “Lady with a Unicorn” (c. 1505), created by Raphael, the Italian renaissance artist.
Equestrian portraits explained
How would you like to be remembered? This is a key question for anyone having their portrait created, including the ancient Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback.