Here Are 3 Facts About Richard Serra’s ‘Tilted Arc’—A Sculpture So Controversial It Was Put on Trial

Art History

Here Are 3 Facts About Richard Serra’s ‘Tilted Arc’—A Sculpture So Controversial It Was Put on Trial

The monumental sculpture, which was installed in Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan from 1981 to 1989, posited free speech considerations against the role of public opinion.

By Katie White, Apr 8, 2024

Art History

Leonardo’s ‘Lady With an Ermine’ Is a Riddle of Love and Power—Here Are 3 of Its Secrets

We took a closer look at this enigmatic portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of the Duke of Milan.

By Karen Chernick, Mar 17, 2024

Art History

Forget Kate Middleton’s Photoshop Blunder: Here Are Other Royals Who Had Their Portraits Edited

The Princess of Wales joins an illustrious list of royals who have polished up their public image.

By Richard Whiddington, Mar 13, 2024

Art History

Satire or Celebration? Three Insightful Facts About Goya’s Royal Portrait

Is Queen María Luisa the true star of Goya's famed royal portrait?

By Bobby McGee, Mar 11, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: How MoMA Put Andy Warhol’s Soup Cans in Order

MoMA acquired the paintings for a reported $15 million in 1996.

By Richard Whiddington, Feb 29, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: Why the Impressionists Went Gaga for Purple

The invention of a true purple pigment took the art world by storm.

By Verity Babbs, Feb 27, 2024

Art History

The Enduring Love Stories of the Harlem Renaissance

Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight were art school sweethearts.

By Katie White, Feb 26, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: Picasso and Braque Coined a New Art Term

Of course artists had previously cut and arranged materials, but the founders of Cubism were the first to give the technique its own name.

By Verity Babbs, Feb 25, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: The Real Reason Behind El Greco’s Signature Stretched Perspective

The Renaissance artist’s unique compositions might have been the result of astigmatism.

By Verity Babbs, Feb 24, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: Leonardo da Vinci’s Harpsichord-Viola Was As Complicated As It Sounds

The unusual instrument was constructed using 500-year-old notes.

By Verity Babbs, Feb 23, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: How the Modesty Police Used Fig Leaves to Censor Nudes

The “Fig Leaf Campaign” of the 1500s covered up older sculptures and paintings.

By Verity Babbs, Feb 20, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: Michelangelo’s Poem About How Much It Sucked to Paint the Sistine Chapel

“I am not in the right place," the Old Master wrote. "I am not a painter."

By Richard Whiddington, Feb 19, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: How to Send Fan Mail to ‘Mona Lisa’

The enigmatic painting has a few more secrets to uncover.

By Tim Brinkhof, Feb 16, 2024

Art History

Art Bites: Did Leonardo Hide Music in ‘The Last Supper’?

Dinner and a show.

By Verity Babbs, Feb 14, 2024

Art History

Fragonard’s ‘The Swing’ Is More Than Just a Frivolous Portrait of Flirtation

We took a closer look at this famous scene of romantic and erotic love.

By Katie White, Feb 14, 2024