What is an atlatl?
This video focuses on what an atlatl, or spearthrower, is in Mesoamerica.
What is continuous narrative? | The Great Departure relief at the Great Stupa at Sanchi
Because early Buddhist art is aniconic, we explain the symbols used to depict the Buddha’s presence in this scene and show how they repeat from right to left to illustrate how his story unfolds.
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.
How to Do a Visual Analysis in Art History: An Ancient Chinese Bronze Vessel
This video explains how to do a visual analysis (formal analysis) of a 5th-century BCE Chinese bronze vessel.
Zapotec Funerary Urns in Mesoamerica: Inside Ancient Mexican Tombs
Zapotec funerary urns are unique to ancient Mexico.
Lady Sak K'uk', Queen of Palenque
Who is the ancient Maya queen Lady Sak K’uk’ of Palenque?
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.
José Campeche's Nativity from 1800
The Puerto Rican artist José Campeche y Jordán creates a tender Nativity painting focused on an intimate group of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.
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!
The Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of the First Emperor of China
The terracotta army in the tomb of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi, is one of the most fascinating discoveries in archaeology.
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.
Fan Kuan, Travelers Amid Mountains and Streams
Explore a monumental ink painting on silk titled Travelers Amid Mountains and Streams by Northern Song dynasty artist Fan Kuan.
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.
What is a Nazca Double-Spout and Bridge Vessel?
Learn about Nazca ceramics, specifically double-spout and bridge vessels.
What is a mural?
Explore murals featuring the incredible work of early 20th-century artist José Clemente Orozco in Mexico City.
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.
Introduction to the Birth of the Buddha and Queen Maya
How was the birth of the Buddha shown in art?
Introduction to Crowned Nun Portraits (monjas coronadas)
Some of the most famous 18th-century colonial Mexican paintings are the stunning monjas coronadas (crowned nuns).
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.