The Mestizo belongs to a larger series of works that seek to document the inter-ethnic mixing occurring in New Spain among Europeans, indigenous peoples, Africans, and the existing mixed-race population. This genre of painting is known...

Some of the most remarkable images of the Virgin of Guadalupe are created not entirely in paint, but also include mother-of-pearl, or enconchado. View pictures of this type of artwork by Miguel Gonzalez and read descriptions in this essay.

The Codex Mendoza, commissioned by Viceroy Mendoza, contained information about the lords of Tenochtitlan, the tribute paid to the Aztecs, and an account of life "from year to year." Read descriptions and view pictures of the codex in...

"The Law and the Gospel" is the single most influential image of the Lutheran Reformation. It represents Lucas Cranach's pictorial translation of Martin Luther's unique understanding of salvation. The painting interprets the roles of...

The Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is distinct among Medieval palaces for its sophisticated planning, complex decorative programs, and its many enchanting gardens and fountains. View pictures and read descriptions of this example of Islamic...

The Pyxis of al-Mughira, now in the Louvre, is among the best surviving examples of the royal ivory carving tradition in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain). View pictures and read a description of this pyxis in this essay.

Known locally as Mezquita-Catedral, the Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the oldest structures still standing from the time Muslims ruled Al-Andalus. View pictures and read descriptions of this example of Islamic architecture in this...

Andy Warhol's iconic Marilyn Monroe Diptych invites the viewer to consider the consequences of the increasing role of mass media images in our everyday lives. View pictures and read about his techniques and influences in this essay.

This short introduction to Islam covers the origins and the life of Muhammad the Prophet, the Qur'an, and the four "rightly-guided" Caliphs.

The elite men and women of the Han dynasty enjoyed an opulent lifestyle that could stretch into the afterlife. Today, the well-furnished tombs of the elite give us a glimpse of the luxurious goods they treasured and enjoyed. Take a look...

The second great pyramid of Giza was built by Khufu's second son Khafre. Read descriptions and view pictures in this article.

Serene ethereal beauty, raw royal power, and evidence of artistic virtuosity have rarely been simultaneously captured as well as in this breathtaking, nearly life-size statue of the pharaoh Menkaure and a queen. Read descriptions of this...

The Great Pyramid was built by the pharaoh Khufu and is the largest of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Read details and view pictures of this engineering accomplishment in this article.

The temple known as the Parthenon was built on the Acropolis of Athens between 447 and 438 B.CE. It is decorated with marble sculptures representing scenes from Athenian cult and mythology. View pictures and read descriptions in this...

Elegant stacked domes, reaching to the heavens, and towering, slender pencil minarets characterize Ottoman mosque architecture. Few mosques, however, are as visually stunning and architecturally significant as the Selimiye Complex in...

Made nearly two million years ago, stone tools such as the handaxe are the first known technological invention. View a picture and read the description of this early stone tool.

Our calendar is called the Gregorian calendar and was instituted by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. There are many other calendars. Learn about these calendars and the meanings of B.C.E and C.E.

In this essay, a professor explains Cubism to his class using a cold cup of coffee.

Helen Frankenthaler was known for using a specific process of pouring paint on to the canvas rather than painting the colors onto the surface with a brush. View a picture of "The Bay" and read about her technique in this essay.

Cezanne returns to the motif of Mont Sainte-Victoire throughout his career, resulting in an incredibly varied series of works. View examples of his artwork and read descriptions of his style in this essay.

Le Corbusier's famous dictum, that "The house should be a machine for living in," is perfectly realized within the forms, layout, materials, and siting of the Villa Savoye. View pictures and details of this house on this site.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's 1983 painting "Horn Players" shows us all the main stylistic features we have come to expect from this renowned American artist. View pictures of his artwork and read about his life in this essay.

From around 1912, goldfish became a recurring subject in the work of Henri Matisse. They appear in no less than nine of his paintings, as well as in his drawings and prints. View examples and read why he chose this particular motif.

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is known for her self-portraits. These powerful and unflinching self-images explore complex and difficult topics including her culturally mixed heritage, the harsh reality of her medical conditions, and the...