A little taste of history one morsel at a time
Today on Museum Bites we’re wrapping ourselves in red with a tour through Jan van Eyck’s Portrait of a Man in a Red Chaperon (c1435-1438). At first glance this portrait may appear simple, but it is rich with detail. Join me as we peel back the layers of this fascinating piece to learn more about the art, the artist, and the man in the red chaperon.
Today on Museum Bites we’re paying tribute to the God of Cape Artemision (c460 BCE), an ancient Greek statue with a colorful past. Built during the Greco-Persian Wars, this magnificent work of art escaped the melting pot, survived a Roman shipwreck, and spent more than a thousand years beneath the Aegean Sea. Join me for a closer look at this gorgeous statue.
Today on Museum Bites we’re taking a stroll through Japanese tomb art called haniwa. Popular during the Kofun Period (c250 to c600 CE), these delightful figures give us a glimpse of Japanese culture at a time when a written language was not prevalent. Join me for a closer look at a haniwa shrine maiden on display at the Tokyo National Museum.
Today on Museum Bites we’re traveling to the Sahara to take a closer look at the Cross of Agadez. These simple, elegant pendants were created by the Tuareg more than a century ago. Join me to learn how this unique piece of jewelry transformed from a private ceremonial object to a symbol of cultural identity.
Today on Museum Bites we’re taking a midnight stroll through The Starry Night (1889), by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). Featured in countless selfies and plastered on purses and plates, mugs and magnets, as well as ties and tees, van Gogh’s dazzling night sky not only decorates our tchotchkes, it provides a glimpse into the Dutch artist's inner psyche. Join me for a brief look at the story behind this iconic painting.
Dear Readers, Hello! Ten years ago today I launched Museum Bites, a weekly travel blog featuring brief bits of history about famous and not-so-famous art, artifacts, people, places, and events. Together, we swam through prehistoric seaways with Xiphactinus, climbed the Great Wall of China, braved the treacherous journey through the ancient Egyptian afterlife, crisscrossed Renaissance... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year! I hope you had a restive, festive holiday. Today on Museum Bites I’m saying good-bye.
We’re chasing shadows today on Museum Quick Bites…moon shadows. Moonlit Landscape with a Windmill (c1650s) by Dutch painter, Aert van der Neer is a nocturnal delight. Cast against a turbulent sky, puffy pink and gray clouds churn above, while the moon plays hide and seek behind a lone windmill.
Happy Friday! Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re turning our sights toward the night sky with The Stargazer (c3000 BCE) an ancient statue from the Bronze Age.
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re winding the clock back to the Mesozoic Era and taking a brief look at a toothy, big jawed creature called Metoposaurus. Don’t be fooled by Metoposaurus’ name, this predator is all amphibian.
Museum Bites 