The 16th-century “Florentine Codex” offers a Mexican Indigenous perspective that is often missing from historical accounts of the period.
Art History
The Artwork That Inverted My Mental Map
“América invertida” by Uruguayan-Spanish artist Joaquín Torres García was always meant to be a mission statement.
Avoid Rome’s Tourist Crowds With These Alternative Art History Gems
If you’re planning a visit to Rome, write down your list of can’t-miss sites. Then, go to these ones instead.
Reframing Art History Through a BIPOC Lens
Olivia Chiang’s “Not Your Grandfather’s Art History: A BIPOC Reader” is a free online compilation of essays that explore lesser-told canons.
The Living Traditions of Hebrew Calligraphy
Izzy Pludwinski’s new book looks at the evolution of Hebrew calligraphy, from sacred scrolls through modern art and graffiti.
The Evolving Nature of South Asian Bookmaking
A new publication contextualizes the historical and contemporary book traditions in South Asia.
The Complicated Legacy of Barbie in Art
Long before Greta Gerwig’s movie, artists were critiquing Barbie’s influence on women — and Mattel didn’t always approve.
Art History’s Most Controversial Nudes
The nude figure as a subject has been a battleground issue for as long as it’s been a staple of fine art.
It’s Time to Rewrite the Canon of Women Artists
Katy Hessel’s new survey of women artists leaves out men, but also falls short of offering a new take on feminist art history.
Beneath the Surface of Art’s Visual Symbolism
Matthew Wilson’s new book, The Hidden Language of Symbols, chronicles the buried visual cues of power, faith, uncertainty, and hope.
Newton Who? Leonardo Explored Gravity First
A new analysis of diagrams drawn in the artist’s personal notebook reveals a near-accurate model of Earth’s gravitational pull.
A New Sourcebook of Indian Art
20th Century Indian Art: Modern, Post-Independence, Contemporary surveys the many distinct aspects of art in South Asia.