Alexandra Kiely is an independent art historian based in the greater New York area. Her work focuses on making art, architecture, and art museums understandable to a general audience. She is the author of The Art Museum Insider, a book that guides those without art history training to have more informed and empowered experiences with art. Visit her website, A Scholarly Skater, and follow her on Instagram.
Matilda Browne: The Forgotten Female Impressionist Who Transformed American Art
Matilda Browne (1869–1947) was a successful artist painting in the Impressionist style in the early 20th century, but unfortunately, only a few...
Alexandra Kiely 25 March 2026
5 Treasures of Medieval Irish Art
Celebrate Irish culture and heritage by exploring some masterpieces of Irish art. While there have been spectacular Irish artists throughout history,...
Alexandra Kiely 17 March 2026
The Medieval Bestiary—Cute, Quirky, and Weird Animals
Of all the medieval manuscripts, bestiaries are definitely the most fun. A medieval bestiary is a book about animals. It’s full of unusual...
Alexandra Kiely 10 March 2026
Mary Vaux Walcott: An American Artist and Naturalist
An artist and naturalist, Mary Vaux Walcott was an extraordinary and accomplished woman. Sometimes called ” the Audubon of Botany”, she...
Alexandra Kiely 5 March 2026
Masterpiece Story: Heart of the Andes by Frederic Edwin Church
Heart of the Andes is one truly impressive landscape painting. Frederic Edwin Church’s crowning achievement depicts the scenery he saw during his...
Alexandra Kiely 25 January 2026
Masterpiece Story: Angel by Niccolò di Ser Sozzo
Angel is a painting by Niccolò di Ser Sozzo, c. 1350, owned by The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY. This is an unusual depiction of an angel with...
Alexandra Kiely 18 January 2026
Ice Skating Artwork—A Visual Journey on Ice
Ice skating is a beloved winter activity and I’ve been an avid participant (all year round) since I was a little girl. As such, I really enjoy...
Alexandra Kiely 15 January 2026
Beyond Glass and Interiors—Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Paintings
Louis Comfort Tiffany was famous for his beautiful stained glass, decorative arts, and interiors. However, not many people know that Louis Comfort...
Alexandra Kiely 12 January 2026
New Year’s Resolutions Inspired by Artists
Happy New Year! What resolutions are you making as you ring in January? If you’re still unsure what (if anything) your resolution should be, why...
Alexandra Kiely 1 January 2026
American Artist Who Loved Everything British: Edwin Austin Abbey’s Shakespeare Paintings
A painter and illustrator Edwin Austin Abbey was born in the US, but he loved all things British, particularly the works of William Shakespeare. He...
Alexandra Kiely 17 December 2025
