Art History

November 17, 2023

Antique Map Acquired at Estate Sale Turns Out to Be an Extremely Rare 14th-Century Portolan Chart

Over the last few years, we've heard about mind-boggling finds in thrift stores and estate sales. The tale always features someone spotting an unassuming work of art, taking it home, only to then realize it is worth much more than what they originally paid for it. As thrilling as those stories are, none come close to the 14th-century portolan chart that is now under the care of Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.

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November 3, 2023

Secret Room of Michelangelo’s Drawings Will Open to the Public for the First Time Ever

Italy is home to countless treasures from the Renaissance. Michelangelo alone left behind an impressive legacy of architecture, painting, and sculpture. While most art lovers are acquainted with his most famous works—like the Sistine Chapel ceiling and statue of David—there are more artworks that have remained out of the public eye, until now.

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October 19, 2023

Test Your Knowledge: Play ‘Two Truths and a Lie (Artist Edition)’ [Quiz]

Pablo Picasso. Michelangelo. Andy Warhol. These are some of the well-known and respected names in art history. But how much do you know about their personalities? To test your knowledge, we've put together a quiz in the style of the game “Two Truths and a Lie.” To play, first, you'll read three statements about 11 famous artists. Then, it will be up to you to determine which statement is a lie.

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September 24, 2023

6 of René Magritte’s Most Famous Paintings That Capture the Surrealist’s Fascinating Mind

René Magritte is one of the most celebrated figures of the 20th-century Surrealist movement, alongside André Breton and Salvador Dalí. In the 1920s, the Belgium painter joined a group of young artists who wanted to create work that celebrated the subconscious mind and the world of dreams. During these years and beyond, Magritte defined his unique artistic style that critics called “Magic realism.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.