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.
Masterpiece Story: The Merode Altarpiece by Robert Campin
The Merode Altarpiece is one of the most famous works by Robert Campin and his workshop. It serves as a link between the medieval tradition and...
Alexandra Kiely 2 October 2026
The Crazy and Colorful World of Florine Stettheimer’s Paintings
For an art-viewing experience unlike any other, enjoy the world of Florine Stettheimer (1871–1944). The daughter of a wealthy German-Jewish family...
Alexandra Kiely 21 September 2026
The Charming, Witty, Surprisingly Modern Art of Florine Stettheimer
American modernist Florine Stettheimer (1871–1944) created a joyful, Rococo-inspired aesthetic that was all her own. She depicted scenes of life...
Alexandra Kiely 21 September 2026
From Hummingbirds to Owls: Why Birds Keep Appearing in Art
Birds in art may bring to mind John James Audubon, the 19th-century ornithologist who wrote and illustrated the landmark series The Birds of America.
Alexandra Kiely 4 September 2026
A Love Story with a Unicorn: Decoding the Medieval Tapestries
The Unicorn Tapestries are a set of medieval tapestries depicting a hunt for a unicorn, a popular motif at the time. They’re probably the most...
Alexandra Kiely 2 September 2026
Contrapposto 101—It’s All in the Pose
If you are taking an introductory art history course in school this semester, you’ll soon be talking a lot about contrapposto. I remember hearing...
Alexandra Kiely 1 September 2026
Masterpiece Story: Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi by Fra Angelico
Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi by Fra Angelico is a masterpiece that can be viewed both as medieval and Renaissance. How so? Keep on reading...
Alexandra Kiely 31 August 2026
Masterpiece Story: The Obsequies of an Egyptian Cat by John Weguelin
Here is a Masterpiece Story to honor our beloved cats. The Obsequies of an Egyptian Cat by John Weguelin presents an imaginative interpretation of an...
Alexandra Kiely 7 August 2026
Visit Parisian Landmarks in These 10 Gorgeous Paintings
If you’ve ever been to Paris, you know that there’s nothing like seeing the city in person. However, that’s no reason not to get a taste of it...
Alexandra Kiely 3 August 2026
7 Luminist Seascapes to Make You Want a Beach Vacation
If you still plan your summer vacations and a trip to the lake or the ocean isn’t on your schedule here are a few Luminist artworks that might...
Alexandra Kiely 31 July 2026
