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Art
Understanding The Dance of Death's Enduring Symbolism
'The Dance of Death' is a type of memento mori. It is a visual allegory designed to remind people that death comes for everyone, regardless of their circumstances in life. Today, we'll discover what The Dance of Death' is, why it was so powerful and relatable, and what lessons we can learn from it today. Let's go!
anatomy
An Introduction to Death Customs in Ancient Egypt
Death in ancient Egypt was an inevitable part of life and a gateway to the afterlife. Many people prepared the deceased for what awaited them in the world beyond, especially if they were royalty. This article will discuss the mummification process for preparing the human body for the afterlife and the contents of royal tombs. Because we love spooky mysteries, we will also discuss the infamous curse of King Tutankhamun's tomb. Read on to explore the intriguing world of Egyptian mortuary customs!
Bubonic Plague
Uncovering the Fascinating Role of Plague Doctors
In 16th and 17th century Europe, a figure encased in strange garments emerged from the shadows of plague-ridden cities. Clad in an unnerving bird-like beak mask and gloves, these mysterious men were known as Plague Doctors. Their backgrounds varied; some candidates had genuinely trained as doctors, but others, like one ex-fruit seller, were a little more unusual. Their job took them to the epicentre of plague outbreaks during one of Europe's darkest periods in history.
Death
Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): The Ofrenda's Significance
Día de Los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, is a celebratory festival that remembers and honours friends and family members who have died. It is a national symbol in Mexico, taught in schools and celebrated with public holidays. Día de Los Muertos is an important celebration of Mexican indigenous culture and is listed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Art
Hidden Mysteries Inside Masterpieces
We'll take a closer look at some well-known paintings and reveal their amazing secrets hidden in plain sight for hundreds of years. Read on to hear music hidden in a 500-year-old picture, speculate on what a medieval UFO may have looked like, and see if you can find the self-portrait hidden inside a painting.
Ancient Greece
Greek & Roman Mythology in Art: Scenes That Inspired Artists (Part I)
If you're a fan of Greek mythology, you'll know that the stories are full of powerful scenes that have inspired artists for centuries. From tales of love and tragedy to epic battles between gods and mortals, these stories have captured the imaginations of artists from all over the world. In this blog post, we're going to take a look at some of the most iconic scenes from Greek mythology and see how they've been reimagined in art.
Bat
The Origins of Halloween: A Fascinating History
Have you ever wondered about the history of Halloween traditions? This blog post will look at Halloween's history and explore some of its origins; Why is it celebrated on October 31st? What makes a carved pumpkin an iconic symbol of Halloween? And why are ghosts associated with this holiday? Read on to find out!
Art
The Hidden Symbolism In Still Life Paintings
Still life painting is a genre of art that features manufactured and natural inanimate objects, such as fruit, flowers, vases, bowls and cloth. While the inclusion of inanimate objects may seem simplistic, the placement and composition of these objects can be highly intricate and require great skill on the artist's part. The items included in the work and their order can hold deep symbolic meaning, allowing the viewer to enjoy the painting with a greater understanding of the artist's intention. This blog post will explore several well-known still-life paintings and share some hidden meanings behind the subjects
Coffin
Fascinating Death Customs In The Victorian Era
People in Victorian England respected the significance of mourning and grief; Queen Victoria famously mourned her husband, Prince Albert, for forty years. Victorian funeral customs were fascinating and varied. They offer a glimpse into the lives of people during that period. This blog post will discuss the origin and meaning behind some Victorian mourning and burial practices. What were mourning cards? Why would you need a mortsafe? What is death photography? Why was a bell on a coffin important? Could Victorians communicate with the dead?