
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
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 23 May 2023
Born of Fire: Ancient Roman Glass
Ancient Roman glass objects were functional and decorative beauties. Roman glass artisans experimented with glass-making techniques and applied...
Marga Patterson 14 April 2023
The Curious Lure and Strange Beauty of Ancient Anatomical Votives
Eerie, mysterious, and fascinating, ancient anatomical votives represent literal parts of people’s past. When most people think of a votive object,...
Marga Patterson 3 April 2023
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 February 2023
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 9 January 2023
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 26 November 2022
The Artistic Totality of Portuguese Azulejos
Azulejos are a major part of Portuguese history and cultural heritage. These hand-crafted tiles have created such a dynamic presence over the...
Marga Patterson 9 November 2022
The Fascinating Ceramic Tile Art of the Anatolian Seljuks
The ceramic tile art of the Anatolian Seljuks dazzled with its mystical turquoise hues, fantastical creatures, and figural depictions. So, who were...
Marga Patterson 9 November 2022
Living Memories: The Funerary Stelae of Ancient Cyprus
The majority of sculpture that survives from ancient Cyprus are funerary stelae, elaborate grave markers to commemorate the dead. Possessing an...
Marga Patterson 1 November 2022
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 20 October 2022
