Articles

Pierre Patel, Chateau de Versailles, 1668 via Wikipedia

Lily Frye

The Palace of Versailles’ Architectural Nightmare

Versailles was Louis XIV’s extravagant dream, but its swampy land, complex hydraulics, and immense cost made it an architectural nightmare.

Judy Garland wearing the original red ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz via Rolling Stone

Rosella Parra

The Journey of Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers

Dorothy’s ruby slippers made history—*Wicked* honored them, a pair sold for $32.5M, and their journey includes museum heists and nostalgia.

Théodore Géricault, The Raft of Medusa, 1818-19 via Wikipedia

Jesslyn Low

Depictions of Disasters

Artists have depicted disasters through diverse methods, offering insight into suffering, fostering empathy, and inspiring action in times of crisis.

Dan Flavin installation via Wallpaper Magazine

Rebecca Levenson

Light and Fluorescence in Art History and Conte...

Discover the evolution of light and fluorescence in art history, from medieval stained glass to James Turrell's breathtaking installations.

Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party via Frieze Magazine

Taylor Hunt

Feasting on History: Judy Chicago’s The Dinner ...

Judy Chicago’s "The Dinner Party" honors 39 women from history with a bold, feminist installation featuring intricate place settings and vulvar motifs.

Caspar David Friedrich, Monk by the Sea via Wikipedia

Madelyn Kenney

The Silent Struggle in Creative Spaces: Seasona...

Seasonal depression hits artists hard, blending mental health struggles with isolating, emotional work. Let's move beyond the "Troubled Artist" trope.

The Sistine Chapel via Smithsonian Mag

Emma Livingston

The Sistine Chapel: How Perspectives Shift Over...

Explore how the Sistine Chapel evolved from a private sacred space to a global cultural landmark, shaped by history, art, and shifting perspectives.

Picasso,  Les Femmes d'Alger, 1955 via Wikipedia

Louise Irpino

What is Provenance?

Provenance traces an artwork's ownership history, revealing its origins, authenticity, and cultural significance in the art world.

Pantones 2025 Color of the Year via HGTV

Emma Livingston

Pantone’s Muse (or Color) of the Year: Mocha Mo...

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, inspires calm and indulgence with its rich, earthy tone—embrace it in style and life!

Mary Cassatt, Little Girl in Blue Armchair, 1878 via Fine Art America

Louise Irpino

ArtRKL Wrapped 2024

A showcase of ArtRKL’s writers’ choices for their favorite pieces published in 2024.