Member-only story

Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History

Ralph Waldo Emerson

·15k Followers· Follow

Published in ArtCurious: Stories Of The Unexpected Slightly Odd And Strangely Wonderful In Art History

5 min read

111 View Claps

11 Respond

Save

Listen

Art history is full of surprises. Not all of them are earth-shattering, but many of them are fascinating, and a few are downright bizarre.

ArtCurious: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History

by Jennifer Dasal

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16204 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Here are a few of our favorite unexpected, slightly odd, and strangely wonderful stories from art history:

The Mona Lisa's Secret Smile

The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world, and her enigmatic smile has been the subject of much debate. Some people believe that she is smiling because she is happy, while others believe that she is hiding a secret sadness. There is even a theory that she is not smiling at all, but rather smirking.

The truth about the Mona Lisa's smile is likely lost to time, but it is one of the things that makes her such a fascinating and enduring work of art.

The Mona Lisa By Leonardo Da Vinci ArtCurious: Stories Of The Unexpected Slightly Odd And Strangely Wonderful In Art History

The Hidden Meaning of Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus"

Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" is one of the most iconic paintings of the Renaissance. It depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea, fully formed and surrounded by flowers and wind.

However, there is more to this painting than meets the eye. Botticelli has hidden several symbols within the painting, including references to classical mythology, astrology, and alchemy.

For example, the flowers that surround Venus represent different stages of her life. The roses symbolize love and passion, while the violets symbolize modesty and chastity.

The Birth Of Venus By Sandro Botticelli ArtCurious: Stories Of The Unexpected Slightly Odd And Strangely Wonderful In Art History — The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

The Strange Case of Caravaggio's "The Calling of Saint Matthew"

Caravaggio's "The Calling of Saint Matthew" is a powerful and dramatic painting that depicts the moment when Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple.

However, the painting is also notable for its unusual composition. The figures are arranged in a way that creates a sense of tension and unease. Matthew is shown recoiling from Jesus, as if he is afraid or uncertain.

Caravaggio's use of light and shadow also adds to the painting's unsettling atmosphere. The light is harsh and unforgiving, casting deep shadows on the faces of the figures.

The Calling Of Saint Matthew By Caravaggio ArtCurious: Stories Of The Unexpected Slightly Odd And Strangely Wonderful In Art History

The Mysterious Death of Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous and beloved painters in history. He is known for his vibrant and expressive paintings, such as "The Starry Night" and "Sunflowers."

However, van Gogh's life was also marked by tragedy. He suffered from mental illness and eventually died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

The circumstances surrounding van Gogh's death are still a mystery. Some believe that he committed suicide, while others believe that he was murdered.

Vincent Van Gogh ArtCurious: Stories Of The Unexpected Slightly Odd And Strangely Wonderful In Art History — Vincent van Gogh

The Unexpected Inspiration for Picasso's "Guernica"

Picasso's "Guernica" is one of the most powerful and moving paintings of the 20th century. It depicts the horrors of war, and its stark black-and-white palette and distorted figures convey a sense of chaos and despair.

However, the inspiration for "Guernica" is somewhat unexpected. Picasso was inspired to paint the painting after reading about the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica by German and Italian forces during the Spanish Civil War.