Claude Monet’s Water Lilies are among the most beloved artworks of the 20th century. Displayed in Paris’s Orangerie in a set of rooms devoted entirely to the paintings, they are Monet’s gift to France at …
Soviet Art in Kazakhstan When the Kazakh khanate splintered into three hordes in the early 17th century, they became vulnerable to raids from Mongol tribes, primarily the Dzungars (dson, “left”; gar, “hand”) who formed the left wing …
Key 19th century painters No trip to any country in Europe is complete without a visit to one of the many impressive art galleries that are lined with the artistic talents throughout history. Especially in …
Seeking Caravaggio’s “Nativity” The hunt for Caravaggio’s stolen “Nativity” painting may just be the most high-profile art crime of the 20th century. One stormy night in 1969, an altarpiece painted by Italian master Michelangelo Merisi da …
The History and Legacy of the Silk Road The Silk Road (also called the Silk Routes) was an extensive system of trade routes formally established during the rule of China’s Han Dynasty. The routes traversed …
The Delicate Art of Art Restoration The Netherland’s Rijkmuseum recently announced that it will be restoring Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, its most famous and most treasured painting by the Dutch master. Rembrandt’s group portrait masterpiece, …
Early History of Sicily: From the Phoenicians to the Arab Conquest (Antiquity to the 10th Century) Sicily in Southern Italy is the largest island in the Mediterranean, separated from the mainland by the Strait of …
Beauty and Artistry in Iran: The Persian Garden and Persian Mosaic Tiles
- 7 mins read
Architecture, Art, Blog, History, Iran, Lists, Middle East
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran Beauty and artistry can be seen everywhere in Iran, and its philosophy and religious beliefs are reflected in the country’s public and private spaces. In this article …
15 Must-See Sites in Berlin Berlin, capital of Germany, venue of the Berlinale, seat of the German Parliament, and location of UNESCO-protected Museum Island, occupies a place of prominence as a cultural and economic powerhouse. …
Uncovering Caravaggio The following article picks up on, and extends, our general introduction to Caravaggio. Here, we we delve further into the details of Caravaggio’s early life and relationships, and use available evidence to piece …
Who was Caravaggio? Caravaggio became the greatest painter of religious works of the early 17th century. His dramatic but naturalistic style of painting emphasised the common humanity of his subjects, the apostles and martyrs of …
Italian Renaissance Families: Mantua and the Gonzaga. This blog is part of a series on five influential Italian Renaissance families that shaped Italy, especially during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is based on both …
Italian Renaissance Families: Ferrara and the Este Italian Renaissance Families: Ferrara and the Este. This blog is part of a series on five influential Italian Renaissance families that shaped Italy, especially during the fifteenth and …
This article (blog)is part of a series on five influential Italian Renaissance families that shaped Italy, especially during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is based on both our Italian Renaissance Summer School course, and …
This blog is part of a series on five influential Italian Renaissance families that shaped Italy, especially during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is based on both our Italian Renaissance Summer School course, and …
Touring Culture: The Ten Best Art Galleries in Western Europe
- 7 mins read
Art, Blog, British Isles, Europe, France, Italy, Lists, Spain, Travel tips
It’s no secret that Western Europe is home to some of most spectacular art galleries in the world. These grand neoclassical buildings are hard to miss, but it’s often difficultRead more
Art and literary tours of England Jane Austen and literary tours of England for seniors is a journey of discovery for followers of English literature. 2017 marks two hundred yearsRead more
Small Group Summer School Experience for Odyssey Travellers. Over the last twenty-five years, Odyssey’s Small group Summer School experiences has given countless travellers an unforgettable educational and travel experience. EachRead more
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s Magical Theme Park When you think of European theme parks, what springs to mind? France’s Parc Asterix? PortAventura World in Spain? Germany’s Europa-Park? Disneyland Paris? It may not have quite the international reputation of …
Have you heard of hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh”)? It’s a way of life in Denmark, and there’s been a recent buzz around the subject. Nine books about the concept of hygge came out in 2016. The word …