WTF Art History

Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Cupid and Psyche by Antonio Canova

A true gem of virtuosity, Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss is a marble sculpture made between 1787 and 1793 by Antonio Canova. The sculptor portrayed...

Montaine Dumont 5 July 2024

Love Story

An Ode to the Kiss in Art

Kisses have long been a symbol of love, passion, and intimacy, and artists throughout history have captured these moments in their work. From tender...

Rachel Witte 5 July 2024

WTF Art History

Art Vandalism – 11 Famous Masterpieces Under Attack

The origin of the term “vandalisme” can be traced back to the French Revolution. Coined by Henri Grégoire, bishop of Blois to describe massive...

Zuzanna Stańska 1 July 2024

Bizarre

The Elephant in the Church and Other Curious Stories of Venice

With its maze of narrow streets, bridges, and canals linking its splendid architecture and art, Venice is beautiful. It is worth exploring and a...

Marina Kochetkova 1 July 2024

Art State of Mind

All by Myself: Loneliness in Art

Shout out to all those lonely souls who at night hold on tight to hot water bottles (or any bottles), teddy bears, or pillows. Let’s dwell...

Magda Michalska 1 July 2024

History

Queer Mythological Characters

This list of queer mythological characters and deities from around the world, encompassing homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender identities, and...

Martha Teverson 27 June 2024

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 26 June 2024

Rosa Bonheur, Sheep by the Sea, 1865 Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Sheep by the Sea by Rosa Bonheur

Rosa Bonheur was one of the most famous European artists of the 19th century, and she was definitely the most celebrated female artist of her time.

James W Singer 26 June 2024

Art State of Mind

Midsummer – An Old Pagan Tradition in Scandinavian Art

The summer solstice in June is celebrated throughout several cultures. The Scandinavian culture is no exception to that. Initially tied to pagan...

Merve Parla 24 June 2024

Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: The Death of Barbara Radziwiłł by Józef Simmler

The National Museum in Warsaw is one of the largest museums in Poland and boasts an extensive art collection. Among its body of works is The Death of...

James W Singer 17 June 2024

Sculpture

Cupid and Psyche: Love Story Through Sculpture

Cupid and Psyche, mythological characters immortalized in Metamorphoses by Apuleius, have been inspiring artists through the centuries. Sculptors...

Valeria Kumekina 14 June 2024

WTF Art History

5 Artists Who Likely Suffered From Syphilis

Also known as the French disease or great pox, syphilis was a common sexually transmitted disease in Europe in the 1800s. In fact, 10-15% of...

Kelly Hill 11 June 2024