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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.

Woodblock printing is a medium that has been used for centuries to create art, signage, and prints. As the name suggests, it involves carving an image or pattern into a block of wood, which is then inked and used to print onto paper or fabric. Whether you're interested in creating your own woodblock prints or want to learn more about this fascinating medium, read on for a brief history!

Have you ever wondered how the armour worn by soldiers and knights in the middle ages protected them? Many people will be familiar with the sight of a knight dressed in a full suit of shining armour, but how exactly did armour work? This article will examine different types of protective wear used in medieval times alongside magnificent illustrations from our pictorial archive, Brutal Weapons and Armour; An Image Archive For Artists and Designers. Read on to find out more!

Greek mythology is a great place to start if you're looking for incredible, timeless stories to inspire you. There are so many fascinating tales from this ancient culture, and we've selected some of our favourites for you here. This blog post will share the story of Odysseus and the sirens, explain who the Moirai were, and discover how Perseus saved Andromeda from a gruesome end. We've also included some beautiful illustrations from our pictorial archive, Greek and Roman Mythology: An Image Archive for Artists and Designers, which will help bring these stories to life - read on and enjoy!

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.