Where Art Meets Story

Our growing archive of stories on art, design, and culture.

Mao as an Artistic Statement: Edgy or Tone-Deaf?

Let’s talk about a recurring theme in art galleries and fashion stores that never fails to raise eyebrows: Mao Zedong, splashed across canvases and T-shirts, his face reimagined in garish colors and…
Biography: Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer, an iconic figure in American art history, was born on February 24, 1836, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Charles Savage Homer and Henrietta Benson Homer. Growing up in a middle-class family,…
Biography: Marcel Dyf

Marcel Dyf, born on October 7, 1899, in Paris, France, carved a niche for himself in the world of art through his vibrant and expressive paintings. A master of color and light,…
Inspiration: “Sleeping Child” by Anders Zorn

“Sleeping Child,” is a watercolor on paper by Anders Zorn. The dimensions are: Height: 15 cm (5.9 ″); Width: 13 cm (5.1 ″) *** In 1886, Anders Zorn and his wife Emma,…
Biography: Józef Chełmoński

Józef Chełmoński, a prominent Polish realist painter, was born on November 7, 1849, in Boczki, near Łowicz, Poland. Renowned for his depictions of rural life, landscapes, and animals, Chełmoński played a crucial…
Biography: Frederik Hendrik Kaemmerer

Frederik Hendrik Kaemmerer, a distinguished Dutch genre and portrait painter of the 19th century, left an indelible mark on the art world with his exquisite depictions of everyday life and captivating portraits.…
Biography: James Gillray

James Gillray, born on August 13, 1756, in Chelsea, London, emerged as one of the most influential and celebrated satirical caricaturists of the late 18th century. Renowned for his keen wit, biting…
Inspiration: “De Camino a la Iglesia,” by Helena Schjerfbeck

In Paris, Schjerfbeck painted with Helena Westermarck, then left to study with Léon Bonnat at Mme Trélat de Vigny’s studio. In 1881 she moved to the Académie Colarossi, where she studied once again with Westermarck.…
Biography: Thomas Gainsborough

Thomas Gainsborough, one of the leading portrait and landscape painters of 18th-century England, was born on May 14, 1727, in Sudbury, Suffolk. Renowned for his exceptional ability to capture the natural beauty…
Biography: Carl Holsøe

Carl Holsøe, born on March 12, 1863, in Copenhagen, Denmark, emerged as a distinguished painter renowned for his serene depictions of interior scenes. His life’s journey unfolded during a period of artistic…
The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is one of the most celebrated cultural institutions in the world, embodying the rich artistic and historical heritage of the Netherlands. Founded in 1798, the museum has become…
Biography: Adrien Moreau

Adrien Moreau, a French Academic painter born on April 6, 1843, in Troyes, France, distinguished himself as a prominent figure in the late 19th-century art scene. His artistic journey unfolded against the…