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What makes a painting well known? It could be the subject or the artist who created it. It may be part of a notable collection or have a historical significance—however, some paintings are well known because there are mysterious circumstances surrounding them. Read on to learn about some fascinating pictures people believe are haunted - with one painting's mystery revealed in a very ordinary explanation. 

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!

Tales of fantastical creatures such as dragons, mythical beasts and legendary monsters have captivated people's imaginations worldwide for centuries. In this blog post, we'll explore the stories behind some legendary creatures and examine some fascinating illustrations from our pictorial archives; Dragons and Mythical Creatures, Monsters and Beasts and Greek and Roman Mythology.Read on to learn more! 

Figure drawing depicts the human figure and is an essential foundation for many other art forms such as painting, sculpture and illustration. An understanding of figure drawing and the various poses, shapes and angles of the human body helps artists accurately depict the human body in their artwork and create works with more realism and emotion and higher levels of aesthetic sophistication. Figure drawing also helps artists master various techniques, such as shading and perspective.  

What you may not know about some of the world's most famous and recognisable paintings is that they were created with paint made from some very special ingredients. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the more interesting paints used by artists of the past and find out what makes them so special.

Few artists have been as influential as Leonardo da Vinci. His work in various disciplines - from painting and sculpture to engineering and architecture - has inspired generations of creators. He is also well known for his groundbreaking anatomical drawings. However, his revolutionary anatomical sketches remained a secret for centuries, only to be rediscovered in the modern era and finally receive their due recognition as one of history's most influential contributions to scientific knowledge. Read on to discover more! 

The infamous theft of the painting 'Nativity with St Francis' and St Lawrence earned it a place in one of the FBI's Top Ten Art Crimes. This glorious work by Caravaggio was stolen from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo, Sicily, in October 1969 by an unknown thief. Despite years of investigations, there have been no leads as to who might have stolen the painting or what may have happened. Read on to learn more about this magnificent painting and its mysterious disappearance. 

Botanical tattoo designs look beautiful as well as being meaningful. They are also a great way to express your love of nature and appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. A botanical tattoo can have many meanings, depending on the chosen species and design. However, many people opt for a flower or tattoo simply for its beauty or personal significance. No matter the reason, a botanical tattoo is a versatile and elegant way to add the beauty of the natural world to a unique tattoo design.

Find inspiration for your next tattoo or gain a greater appreciation for this beautiful art form. Tattoo designs have been around for centuries, each with a unique meaning. This article will explore the symbolism behind some of the most famous traditional tattoo designs.