WTF Art History

Masterpiece Stories

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 23 February 2025

Gerrit Dou, Dog at Rest, 1650, oil on oak panel, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, USA. Detail. Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Dog at Rest by Gerrit Dou

Gerrit Dou’s Dog at Rest is a masterpiece of Dutch genre painting, perfect for both dog enthusiasts and art...

James W Singer 23 February 2025

Art State of Mind

You Don’t Have to Look Up to See the Stars: Astronomical Planispheres

For hundreds of years the sky has been the center of attention for many ancient tribes and cultures. Our history has been a testament to the stars.

Sofia Rodriguez Cuevas 20 February 2025

Art State of Mind

Celestial Bodies in Art—Comets, Planets and Stars

When we think about flying objects we usually imagine birds, planes, kites, balloons, or even UFOs! It’s easy to forget that at one point the...

Sarah Mills 20 February 2025

Dine & Wine

Time for a Cup of Warm Tea in Paintings

Tea, a timeless beverage enjoyed by cultures across the globe, has not only warmed countless hearts but also inspired artists throughout history.

Magda Michalska 18 February 2025

Dine & Wine

10 Cocktails Inspired by Art for Artsy Drinking

Most of us like taking some “me time” and enjoying a long bubble bath, reading a good book, working out, or perhaps just contemplating the works...

Marija Canjuga 18 February 2025

Love Story

Romeo and Juliet of the East: Laila and Majnun

Laila and Qays are the Romeo and Juliet of the East. The tragic tale of these ill-fated lovers has been widely featured in Asian and Middle Eastern...

Maya M. Tola 14 February 2025

Love Story

Lovebirds and Life Partners—Famous Artist Couples

Al Green famously sang “Let’s Stay Together” but artists are notorious for tempestuous relationships that often end badly. But hey, let’s...

Candy Bedworth 14 February 2025

Love Story

5 Ideas For Valentine’s Day Inspired By Art History

Valentine’s Day is here and the internet is full of advice on how to make it special. We’re joining with a few ideas inspired by art history,...

Europeana 14 February 2025

discarding image: Rothschild Canticles, Flanders, c. 1300 Medieval Art

The Best of Discarding Images

During the Middle Ages, illuminated manuscripts were first used in the Roman Catholic Church for liturgical services and prayers. The popularity of...

Anna Ingram 12 February 2025

Animals

Holy Cow! Why Did the Dutch Painters Love Cows?

Every time I look at 17th-century Dutch paintings, I ask myself the same question: why do they always show cows? You will probably think this is a...

Magda Michalska 12 February 2025

Animals

7 Images of Dürer’s Animals That Are Better Than Trip to a Zoo

Albrecht Dürer’s keen interest in nature was a typical manifestation of Renaissance curiosity. Animals were not generally considered to be...

Zuzanna Stańska 12 February 2025