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Woman with a Hat (Painting)
Woman with a Hat was a vital example of fine art during the Fauvist movement. It is a 31 3⁄4 in × 23 1⁄2 in oil on canvas that was created by French artist, Henri Matisse. The vibrant use of color aids in the expressive qualities of this artwork created of his wife, Amelie. Matisse: King of the "Wild Beasts" -Here is a closer look at Fauvism. -
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (Painting)
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon Discussion Video Thought to be the second most famous painting, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, an oil on canvas by Picasso, is still highly recognizable today. This painting depicts five nudes from a brothel and was thought to be a departure from traditional artwork. It has had a major impact on the developments of Cubism and Modern art. -
The Kiss (Painting)
Painting Gustav Klimt "The Kiss", the Whole Process
The Kiss, or Lovers, was created by Symbolist, Gustav Klimt, between 1908 and 1909. The painting is a square 180cm x 180cm canvas with oil paint and gold leaf. The image portrays the intimacy of a couple through a mosaic-like approach and the background features intricate patterns of Art Nouveau style. There are touches of unrefined elements of the arts and craft movement of the time. -
La Casa Milà (Architecture)
La Casa Milà is located in Barcelona, Spain and is the final civic design by Antoni Gaudi. The architecture is regarded as innovative and as a great contribution to the modernist style. This piece was created to depict religious symbolism and display Gaudi's individualism. It was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Enjoy this documentary. -
Unique Forms of Continuity in Space (Sculpture)
This bronze sculpture of a human-like shape was created by Umberto Boccioni as a distinct piece of the Futurist movement. The work was made with the ambition of portraying fast motion and powerful dynamism. The sculptor was inspired by the fluidity of a football player during a pass. It is such a forceful piece that it is on the face of the 20 cent euro coin.
Here is a look at the sculpture from all angles. -
Pygmalion (Play)
George Bernard Shaw created the play, Pygmalion. It was first performed on stage in 1913 and has since been shown in countless presentations. It remains Shaw's most successful play and is well-known to most people today as My Fair Lady. It has captivated audiences across the world with the themes highlighting class and social status.
Pygmalion (1938 film) -
Fox Trot (Dance)
Foxtrot Example in the 1920's
The foxtrot became increasingly popular throughout the early 20th century. This smooth dance of long and flowing steps is said to have been created by Harry Fox in 1914 and gained its height of recognition in the 1930's. It remains as an admired dance and is still practiced in ballrooms today. -
The Road Not Taken (Poem)
Analysis of the Road Not Taken
The Road Not Taken is a poem written for the collection, Mountain Interval, by Robert Frost. Although this poem ranks among the most well-known, it is many times completely misunderstood. It is not about the satisfaction that it may imply, but rather it depicts regret. -
God Bless America (Song)
Irving Berlin, who is considered to be among the greatest songwriters, wrote "God Bless America." Originally, he created this patriotic tune while serving in the Army and later revised it in 1938. This song offers prayers of peace in the form of powerful lyrics. Today, this song is widely recognized and can be heard sung at sporting events Here is Irving Berlin Perfoming "God Bless America" years later. -
The Great Gatsby (Novel)
The Great Gatsby Turns 90F. Scott Fitzgerald illustrates life during the roaring twenties in this extraordinary novel. Themes of idealism, social status and change are highlighted while the wealthy Jay Gatsby passionately pursues Daisy Buchanan, a former debutante. The novel did not succeed when it was first published and the author died before witnessing the massive impact that his book would have on the literary world. It would later be awarded the best novel of the 20th century. -
Bird in Space (Sculpture)
Discussion on Bird in Space
Constantin Brâncuși was a Romanian sculpture that created this series of works in bronze and marble. His main objective was to convey the movement of the soaring bird in flight. It was later sold in 2005 for $27.5 million. -
Oriental Poppies (Painting)
Georgia Okeefe's most recognizable theme was rooted in her love for painting flowers. This specific piece is a 30" x 40" oil on canvas and was regarded as groundbreaking for the world of Modernism. She depicted the floral content in vibrant and lively colors that create a compelling work of fine art. Here is a look at more work by Georgia O'Keeffe -
Empire State Building (Architecture)
Click here for a Virtual Experience of the Empire State Building Today
This art deco skyscraper, designed by William F. Lamb, is 102 stories and stands in New York, New York. For almost 40 years, it was the tallest building in the world and still remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. -
Christ the Redeemer (Statue)
Christ the Redeemer is the result of the collaborative efforts of Paul Landowski, Heitor da Silva Costa and Albert Caquot. The Art Deco depiction of Jesus Christ stands 98 feet tall and 28 feet wide. Created from soapstone, this massive structure remains an extraordinary icon for Christianity in Brazil and around the world.
WOW! Take a walk on Christ the Redeemer -
Anything Goes (Play/Musical)
Here is a modern perfomance based on the original musical.Anything Goes is a musical based on the original book by Guy Bolton and P.G Wodenhouse. The music and lyrics in such songs as, "I Get a Kick Out of You," were created by Cole Porter. Many versions have been created since the original live presentation on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre. Although they all differ, the storyline mostly follows the portrayal of the obstacles of love on the SS American. This multiple award-winning play is still performed in many communities and schools. -
Migrant Mother (Photograph)
Migrant Mother is a photograph that was famously taken by Dorothea Lange. Today, it is still perceived as an emotional image that depicts life during the Great Depression. An agricultural laborer, Florence Owens Thompson, and her children are the focus of the image that portrays the destitute that many faced at the tme.
Hear the story of the Migrant Mother here. -
Golden Gate Bridge (Structure)
Building The Bridge: Tales from the Original Golden Gate Bridge Workers
The Golden Gate Bridge, designed by Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow, and Charles Ellis, is located in San Fransisco, CA. It was constructed during the Great Depression and was the longest suspension bridge of its time, at 4,200 feet. It is said to be the most photographed bridge and recognized as one of the Wonders of the Modern World. -
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Animated Film)
The Making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs featuring Walt Disney
It is the first full-length traditional animation film and the earliest work in Walt Disney's Classic Animation series. The film is based on the German fairy tale from Brothers Grimm and was released by RKO Radio Pictures. Walt Disney received an honorary Oscar at the 11th Academy Awards and the film is considered "the greatest American animated film of all time." -
In the Mood (Instrumental Song)
In the Mood was created by bandleader, Glenn Miller in 1939. Soon after, it soared to #1 as a big band-era hit and spent 13 weeks at the top of the charts in 1940. Today, the notes of the sax, trumpet and trombone join the tunes of other songs on NPR's list of "The 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century." Watch the band here. -
The Grapes of Wrath (Novel)
This novel, written by John Steinbeck, depicts life during the Great Depression. It follows a family of farmers in Oklahoma that face hardships, drought and economic struggles. The novel was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and Steinbeck was later the recipient of the Nobel Prize. 20th Century Fox states they have purchased rights to the novel in order to create a film -
The Wizard of Oz (Film)
The Wizard of Oz (1939) Trailer
This fantasy film, starring Judy Garland, is based on the 1900 novel by L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The film was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and was their most costly project at the time. Due to the unique characters, creative storyline, innovative use of Technicolor and Academy Award-Winning song, "Over the Rainbow," it has been able to remain a recognizable part of pop culture. -
The Kiss (Photograph)
The Kiss, or V-J Day in Times Square, is one of the most famous and iconic photographs ever taken. It symbolizes the end of WWII and shows an American Sailor and nurse celebrating this victory with an embrace. It was taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt and would soon be published in Life Magazine.
Click here to see the Sailor and nurse reunite many years later. -
La Vie en rose (Song)
Listen to La Vie en rose
La Vie en rose, translated as "Life in Rosy Hues" or "Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses," was written by Édith Piaf, a French cabaret singer in 1945. The song became popular in 1946 and was later released by Columbia Records on a 10" single in 1947. It would eventually become so adored that it would receive the 1998 Grammy Hall of Fame Award. It has been covered by countless artists and featured in many films. -
No. 5 (Painting)
Jackson Pollock Documentary No. 5 by Jackson Pollock is a 8’ x 4’ painting on fibreboard that contributed to the world of Abstract Expressionism. Pollock was known for his painting style that appeared haphazard, but was said to be done deliberately. No. 5 was said to have been sold in 2006 for $140 million, awarding it the third most costly painting.
