Realism

North American Art

William H. Johnson in 10 Artworks—From Post-Impressionism to Folk Art

William H. Johnson’s paintings show a breadth of styles ranging from realism to Post-Impressionism, and later a folk art aesthetic that would...

Theodore Carter 12 February 2026

Herstory

Betsy Graves Reyneau: Portraitist and Social Justice Warrior

When first unveiled at the Smithsonian in 1944, Betsy Graves Reyneau’s 38 portraits of prominent African Americans were potent weapons in the...

Theodore Carter 9 February 2026

Henry Ossawa Tanner, Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City, 1885, White House, Washington DC, USA. Detail. Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City by Henry Ossawa Tanner

Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City is a masterpiece of Black art and history. It was painted by Henry Ossawa Tanner during a time of incredible...

James W Singer 1 February 2026

Artist Stories

Edgar Degas in 10 Paintings

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) is one of the most famous painters of his generation. His ballerinas are held in many of the world’s most prestigious...

Jimena Escoto 30 January 2026

Women Artists

Anna Ancher in 10 Paintings: Capturing Light

Anna Ancher, a local born and bred, became one of the leading artists of the Danish town of Skagen. She knew and painted her family, the inhabitants,...

Catriona Miller 29 January 2026

Quiz

In the Shadows of Solitude: An Edward Hopper QUIZ

Joanna Kaszubowska 10 January 2026

A painting showing four isolated individuals sitting in a diner on a deserted street corner in the late hours. Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Nighthawks by Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper was one of America’s most celebrated artists, renowned for delving into themes of loneliness and isolation in both urban and...

Nikolina Konjevod 4 January 2026

Frederic Edwin Church aurora borealis: Frederic Edwin Church, Aurora Borealis, 1865, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC, USA. Detail. Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Aurora Borealis by Frederic Edwin Church

Aurora Borealis is an American national treasure. It explores the relationship between the land, its viewer, and its destiny. It is a masterpiece of...

James W Singer 7 December 2025

Quiz

QUIZ: Santa Claus In Art

Theodore Carter, 6 December 2025

North American Art

5 American Painters Who Defined the Pirate Mythos

For many of us, the word “pirate” evokes images of an era full of gallant white-sailed ships, skull and crossbones flags, red bandanas, gold...

Theodore Carter 4 December 2025

Women Artists

Rosa Bonheur in 10 Paintings

Rosa Bonheur’s paintings are some of the most acclaimed depictions of animals in Western art history, making her one of the most important...

Jimena Escoto 20 November 2025

Sculpture

Auguste Rodin in 10 Sculptures

Auguste Rodin, hailed as the father of modern sculpture, transformed art with innovative techniques and emotional depth. He bridged the academic...

Jimena Aullet 12 November 2025