Animaux 3

Animals in Khmer Art: How to Identify Divine Mounts

Animal sculptures in Khmer temples are never decorative: each creature reveals a divinity. Learn how to identify Garuda, Airavata, Nandi and the nagas to transform your view of the sacred art of An...

What's the Difference Between an Egyptian Phoenix

The Egyptian phoenix and the Greek phoenix embody two radically different visions of rebirth. From the hieratic Bennu of Nile temples to the flamboyant raptor of Greek mythology, discover how these...

How Did Impressionist Painters Transform the Representation of Racehorses?

Impressionists revolutionized equestrian art by capturing the authentic energy of racehorses. Discover how their innovative approach to light and movement transformed these athletes into vibrant ic...

Why Did Matisse Use Red Fish as a Recurring Motif?

Between 1909 and 1915, Henri Matisse painted more than nine major canvases depicting red fish. These aquatic creatures become under his brush messengers of contemplation, revealing his artistic phi...

Fantastic Animals in Roman Capitals: A Bible for the Illiterate or Pure Decoration?

Dragons, griffins, mermaids: the fantastic animals that populate Roman capitals fascinate as much as they question. Sculpted bible to instruct the illiterate people of the Middle Ages or simple dec...

What is the symbolism of the rat in Chinese art versus medieval European art?

Between ancient China and medieval Europe, the rat embodies two radically opposed worldviews. A symbol of prosperity and intelligence in Asian art, it represents corruption and sin in Western icono...