If you've been around the art world for a while, chances are that you've heard the term "provenance". If so, you've probably gotten the sense that it is important, but you may not know what it is or why it matters. Provenance is an artwork's history of ownership, and it help you determine if a work is genuine and honest.
Category: Art Appreciation 101
Enjoying a medieval fantasy at the Cloisters
The Cloisters is a museum of medieval art, but I think it's more than that. To me, it's also a sort of medieval fantasy land (in a good way). The museum building is neo-medieval structure that incorporates genuine pieces of Romanesque and Gothic architecture within it. Spending time there is a little like being transported to another time and place.
An Oasis in New York City: The Frick Collection
The Frick is one of my favorite museums. It’s a small, world-class museum with collections and scholarship of the highest international importance. It's also a calm oasis in the middle of New York City.
What is Genre Painting?
We often talk about genres of paintings the way we might talk about genres of movies or books. But then we also talk about genre painting being one of those genres. That might be confusing, so it's important to understand the difference.
A Review of the Newark Museum
The Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey is possibly the most under-rated museum ever. It has a fabulous collection and is just a short train ride from Manhattan, but people almost never talk about it. I think this is really unfortunate.
Enjoying Museum Surprises
It's easy to assume that you know what you're going to enjoy and only look at that, passing by other artworks without paying much attention. It's all too easy to pre-screen your experience, even if you don't mean to, but I would suggest trying to keep an open mind. You may find a new favorite where you least expect it.
What is History Painting?
History painting was an important genre in 18th and 19th-century European art. The term is used all the time, but doesn't simply refer to paintings of history. Learn about the characteristics of a history paint and why all the most ambitious artists wanted to pursue it.
Fun Words I Learned Studying Art
I've learned so many cool words I've learned studying art history. They're lots of fun to say. Here are six words along with definitions and artwork examples of each one.
A Guide to Romanticism
What is Romanticism in art? Learn about the different themes and stylistic attributes of Romantic painting, sculpture, and architecture. Find out how it's different from Neo-Classicism, the style that preceded it.
Seeing Slowly – Michael Findlay on Art Appreciation
A few quick thoughts on Michael Findlay's book Seeing Slowly: Looking at Modern Art, about enjoying modern and contemporary art.
A Scholarly Skater 