Arts2 days agoThe image that fuelled the American RevolutionHow a gory depiction of the 1770 Boston Massacre by Paul Revere ignited fury against British rule, becoming arguably the most effective example of propaganda in US history.2 days ago3 days agoThe crude Georgian-era art that took aim at Britain's kingGeorgian-era artists used outrageous imagery to express their unfavourable views of King George III.3 days ago7 days agoThe pain and passion in a Frida Kahlo masterpieceA hummingbird, a spider monkey, a black cat and dragonflies – what the animal imagery in an iconic 1940 painting tells us about the artist's trauma, resilience and defiant desire.7 days ago24 Jun 2026How 3rd-Century saint Sebastian became a gay iconA Roman soldier who was killed for his Christian beliefs, Saint Sebastian has been a hero for gay men over the centuries – from Oscar Wilde to Keith Haring. Here's why.24 Jun 202622 Jun 2026Le Carré's novels were shaped by a con-man fatherThe author's childhood was rocked by bankruptcy and deceit. In 2008, he told the BBC that his "hectic background" trained him to be an author – and a spy.22 Jun 202619 Jun 2026'Five details in Van Gogh's first starry night'With his first "starry night" painting in Arles in 1888, Vincent van Gogh transformed an ordinary city square into something extraordinary – here's how he did it, and what it means.19 Jun 202612 Jun 2026Why A Bigger Splash is David Hockney's masterpieceIn the wake of legendary British artist David Hockney's death, aged 88, his famous meditation on presence and absence, A Bigger Splash, takes on a new meaning.12 Jun 202612 Jun 2026The 1927 painting that foretold Germany's downfallVariety Show by German painter Max Beckmann is an unsettling painting depicting a chaotic cabaret scene – what does it mean, and did it foreshadow the rise of Nazism?12 Jun 20263 Jun 2026The woman 'who beat Disney by a decade'German director Lotte Reiniger's The Adventures of Prince Achmed was released a century ago in 1926 – and now stands as the world's oldest animated feature film3 Jun 2026...