#religious art

Muisca Raft, ca 600-1600, gold, Museo del Oro, Bogotá, Colombia. Detail. Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Muisca Raft

The Muisca Raft is a masterpiece of Pre-Columbian art. It was created by the Muisca people who lived in a region of today’s Colombia. Muisca...

James W Singer 29 June 2025

Asmat People, Bisj Pole, late 20th century, mangrove wood, plant fibers, and pigments, Jow Village, Asmat Regency, Western New Guinea, Indonesia, Musée du quai Branly, Paris, France. Detail. Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Bisj Pole by the Asmat People

Bisj Pole is a masterpiece of indigenous art from the Asmat people of Western New Guinea, Indonesia. The work is housed at the Musée du Quai...

James W Singer 29 June 2025

Bizarre

Chilling Beauty: Exploring Europe’s Bone Churches

From the ancient period through the 18th century, European Catholics and Orthodox Christians displayed and maintained bones of the deceased to honor...

Julia Bourbois 26 June 2025

Literature

Most Beautiful Qurans You Must See

Three monotheistic religions are the so-called “religions of the book”. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all refer back to a spoken, and...

Magda Michalska 25 June 2025

Architecture

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque—A Contemporary Architectural Marvel

Located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a contemporary architectural triumph that synthesizes different...

Maya M. Tola 25 June 2025

Asian Art

Colors Shimmering in the Light: Islamic Mosaics Panorama

One of the most characteristic aspects of early Islamic architecture all over the world is the abundant use of mosaics, both in secular and religious...

Magda Michalska 25 June 2025

Art History 101

Everything You Should Know About Islamic Art

Bright colorful mosaics, stunning arches, amazing constructions in the middle of the desert, beautifully ornate calligraphy, incredible rock crystal...

Irina Diana Calu 25 June 2025

Architecture

The Art of Mihrab—Little Masterpieces of Islamic Art

What is a mihrab? It’s a typically semi-circular niche in a mosque. It’s usually inserted in the center of a Quibla wall, the wall which points...

Magda Michalska 25 June 2025

Baroque

Four Groundbreaking Buildings by Francesco Borromini

Francesco Borromini (1599-1667) was the most innovative and imaginative architect of the Italian Baroque tradition. Along with his contemporaries...

Alexandra Kiely 17 June 2025

WTF Art History

10 Weird Madonnas You Need to See

Controversial and challenging Madonnas from across art history. Ten eccentric and thought-provoking paintings. Take a look!

Candy Bedworth 28 April 2025

Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: The Merode Altarpiece by Robert Campin

The Merode Altarpiece is one of the most famous works by Robert Campin and his workshop. It serves as a link between the medieval tradition and...

Alexandra Kiely 27 April 2025

Masterpiece Stories

Masterpiece Story: Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi by Fra Angelico

Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi by Fra Angelico is a masterpiece that can be viewed both as medieval and Renaissance. How so? Keep on reading...

Alexandra Kiely 27 April 2025