Marga Patterson

Author

Artist and Writer. Marga is fascinated and inspired by the ancient world, art history and archaeology. You can find more of her work here: www.margapatterson.com

Articles by Marga

Art History 101

Beasts, Teachers, and Protectors: Centaurs in Art

Centaurs are human-horse hybrid creatures composed of dualities: human and nature, chaos and neutrality, love and violence. From ancient Greece to...

Marga Patterson 2 October 2025

Art State of Mind

Art in the Golden Hour

The golden hour is a brief and awe-inspiring moment filled with the most radiant light, intense colors, and deep shadows. For centuries, artists have...

Marga Patterson 18 August 2025

Asian Art

A Luxurious Desire: Ancient Near Eastern Ivory Carvings

The allure of ivory, a lustrous material that gleams and glows when polished, exudes warmth and mysterious beauty. Near Eastern ivory carvings are...

Marga Patterson 24 July 2025

Parthian female Statuettes Ancient Art

Mysterious Female Nude Statuettes of the Parthian Empire

Several female nude statuettes have been unearthed from the subterranean landscape of ancient Iraq. Rendered in the Greco-Babylonian style, these...

Marga Patterson 24 July 2025

Women Artists

Valentine Schlegel: Sculptor of Organic Abstraction

Sculptor, ceramist, artist, and teacher. Valentine Schlegel (1925–2021) was a headstrong individual with fervent, creative independence who carved...

Marga Patterson 18 June 2025

Contemporary Art

The Multi-Sensory Universe of Nick Cave

Nick Cave activates our imaginations with his tangible soundsuit sculptures, soulful dance performances and whimsical installations.

Marga Patterson 16 June 2025

South American Art

Art and Ritual: Culture of the Enigmatic Moche People

The Moche were an ancient, Indigenous people of Andean Peru. They are considered to be one of the most influential civilizations of the ancient...

Marga Patterson 13 June 2025

Design

The Charm of Colorful and Shiny Italian Maiolica Ceramic Wares

Maiolica ceramic wares are exquisitely decorated and vibrantly colored handmade artworks made popular during the Italian Renaissance. Their timeless...

Marga Patterson 13 June 2025

monir farmanfarmaian Women Artists

Iranian Mirror Mosaics of Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian

Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian (1922–2019) was a contemporary Iranian artist who became a living legend while she was still alive. Her oeuvre...

Marga Patterson 17 March 2025

Design

Cameo Carving: The Art of Transforming Shell and Stone

Cameo carving has existed since long before ancient times. These cherished treasures were often made of hardstone, seashells or coral. Historically,...

Marga Patterson 9 January 2025