This video will interest anyone wanting to learn about art history, the history of the Silk Roads, the Seljuq Empire, the history of ceramics, and animal lovers. Travel back in time to the Seljuq Empire with this charming ceramic bowl showing a caravan of camels, now displayed at The Walters Museum in Baltimore. It has important connections to trade on the Silk Roads. Crafted in what is now Iran sometime from the late 12th to early 13th century, this bowl is a wonderful example of mina’i ware, known for its vibrant, enamel-like colors. The scene on this bowl is a rare subject in Seljuq ceramics. The central camel wears a turquoise, blue, and golden saddle, and appears to stride confidently. It is surrounded by seven other camels, each depicted in different poses. Looking closely at the bowl, it is easy to notice the fluid, detailed brushstrokes. The use of multiple colors like gold, turquoise, red, and more, adds to the bowl’s visual richness. These camels are likely Bactrian, known for their resilience in harsh climates and used for long journeys along the Silk Roads. This bowl was likely a luxury item meant to impress and spark conversation at feasts and gatherings. Get to know this bowl in more detail with our video! It offers a glimpse into the art and culture of the Seljuq dynasty. Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank Note: Sometimes Seljuq is spelled Seljuk. Note: We prefer the Silk Roads to the Silk Road. *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to a ceramic bowl decorated with a camel caravan 0:54 The camel at the center and attention-grabbing details 1:37 Decorative elements on the bowl 1:53 The other seven camels 2:14 Bactrian camels and the Silk Roads 2:54 The design and engaging with the imagery 3:24 Ceramics and the Seljuqs 4:04 Mina'i ceramics 4:55 Ceramics for elites/wealthy patrons 5:13 Common subjects on mina'i ceramics 5:40 Calligraphy (Kufic and Nashki) 6:30 What it all means Main object: Bowl with Camel Caravan, late 12th-early 13th century (Seljuq (?)), fritware, white underglaze, black, blue, pink, red, and turquoise overglaze enamel, and gilding, Iran. The Walters Art Museum. *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #seljuqempire #medievalart #arthistory #seljuk #history #medieval #ceramics #silkroad #minaiceramics #camels #bactriancamels #socialstudies #educationalvideo #silkroads #historyofart

Join us as we uncover and explore medieval brooches (fibulae) from Visigothic Spain, shedding light on the intricate jewelry of the Middle Ages. These two eagle fibulae are in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. Ever needed a pin to keep your clothes in place? Imagine if that pin was made of shiny gold and decorated with colorful gemstones and glass! This video looks at special pins called fibulae, which were used thousands of years ago. Some, shaped like eagles, were created by the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe that played a role in the fall of Rome. The Visigoths moved around a lot and needed portable items like fibulae. High-status individuals used fibulae to decorate their clothes and show off their wealth. All those sparkling gemstones would have dazzled anyone’s eyes. These eagle-shaped fibulae are fascinating, featuring an eagle viewed from the side with one eye, wings spread, and long tail feathers. Artists added stones and glass, creating dazzling patterns with red garnets, blue glass, green glass, and purple amethyst, all surrounded by shiny gold. The eagle’s decoration resembles a patterned carpet or textile, with each stone and glass piece cut and polished to fit into a grid outlined by gold, a technique called cloisonné. When worn, these fibulae sparkled in the sunlight. Loops at the bottom might have held more stones, adding movement. The eagle, a symbol of strength and power, held significant meaning for both the Romans and the Visigoths. The circular motif at the eagle’s center, possibly representing the sun, a symbol of power and warmth, further enhances the fibulae's allure. As the Roman Empire embraced Christianity, the eagle also came to symbolize St. John, one of Jesus's disciples, adding an intriguing layer of meaning to these ancient artifacts. Discovered in a Spanish burial site, these 6th-century fibulae are not just artifacts, but windows into cultural and religious transformations. They provide us with invaluable insights into the Visigoths, their way of life, and their influence on our contemporary use of jewelry to convey identity and heritage. Join art us to learn more about these amazing examples of medieval jewelry! Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #arthistory #medieval #middleages #eagles #brooch #jewelry #historyofart #visigoths #medievalhistory #historyfacts #cloisonne #fibula #aparthistory #spain #socialstudies * This video was reuploaded due to an error! We like to correct errors so please let us know if you see anything.

Step back in time with a captivating cross-stone slab from the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. This art history video introduces the elements of art and formal analysis (or visual analysis) using an example of medieval sculpture. This stone slab, known as a Khachkar or Khatchkar, or 'cross-stone,' is a great representation of Armenian medieval art. This striking object, dating between the 13th and 16th centuries, was crafted by a skilled Armenian artist and weighs over 750 lbs. It stands nearly five feet tall, a tangible link to the rich history of the global Middle Ages. The intricate carvings and artistic choices immediately draw any museumgoers’ attention—learn why in the video! Discover the slab’s unique features, from the projecting sections at the top to the intricate braids and swirling designs (including interlace). The video examines distinct motifs, such as the patterns' curvilinear interlace and hidden birds. A thick border of decorative panels surrounds the grand cross at the center, all carved in relief, giving the designs a dynamic, three-dimensional quality. Spend some time looking closely at the slab, pause to take in the details, and perhaps even sketch what stands out. *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to a medieval cross-stone slab 0:45 Close looking and visual analysis of the sculpture 1:29 The top portion: abstract motifs, interlace, and curvilinear forms 2:16 Decorative border and the giant cross 3:13 Relief carving 3:55 Khatchkar or cross stones in Armenia Main object: Armenian artist, Khatchkar or cross-stone slab, 13th-16th century (Medieval), limestone. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #medieval #armenia #arthistory #closelooking #visualanalysis #cross #abstractart #history #middleages #christianity #history #sculpture #medievalhistory #educationalvideo #art

Frida Kahlo is one of the most recognized women artists in the world. Step inside her iconic La Casa Azul, also known as the Blue House. This video is a journey through her life, art, and home. Located in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City, this striking blue and magenta house was both Frida's childhood home and the place where she lived with her husband, Diego Rivera. Now, the Frida Kahlo Museum, Casa Azul offers a unique glimpse into the life of this extraordinary artist. Frida Kahlo spent her final years at Casa Azul, passing away there in 1954 at the age of 47. The house was transformed into a museum to honor her legacy and connect visitors with her beyond her iconic artworks. Inside, you'll find Frida's personal belongings, sketches, paintings, and photographs, offering a profound connection to her private life. Join us as we walk through the house to get glimpses of Frida Kahlo's life, from her tumultuous relationships to her revolutionary artwork. Note: In this video, we chose to use Frida to refer to Frida Kahlo because that is how most people often discuss her—it’s familiar. But ideally people would use Kahlo’s last name when referring to her, much as they would most male artists. Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to La Casa Azul and Frida Kahlo 0:53 The Blue House in Coyoacán and the Frida Kahlo Museum 1:21 Inside the Blue House with Frida 1:54 Her self-portraits, like The Two Fridas 2:34 Frida’s family and a portrait of Guillermo Kahlo 3:29 Frida’s journals 4:12 Her corsets and prosthetic leg 4:47 Frida’s art studio and easels 5:28 Her clothing 6:13 Frida’s love of Mexico 6:53 Frida’s final painting, Viva la Vida Main artworks: 1. La Casa Azul, Coyoacán, Mexico City. Now, the Museo Frida Kahlo. 2. Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas (Las dos Fridas), 1939, oil on canvas. Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City. 3. Frida Kahlo, Viva la Vida, 1954. Museo Frida Kahlo. Speaker: art historian Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank *LEARN MORE* Mexican art playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPufiiHFswrVg8usvKGjMy5ll&si=xOC7dhLvFcuLTpqE ----------------------------- http://artsq.org/ *We’d love your support to keep making more content!* Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *Follow us* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #fridakahlo #mexicocity #arthistory #worldhistory #modern #modernart #womenartists #Mexico #history #architecture #biography #famous #educationalvideo #mexicanartist #cdmx

Ochre is an earth pigment and it is one of the most commonly found pigments around the world! Red ochre is also the world’s first red paint and it is used in a lot of prehistoric art, including Paleolithic cave paintings like at Chauvet and Lascaux in France, Cueva de los Manos in Argentina, Altamira in Spain, Sulawesi in Indonesia, Bhimbetka in India, Tassili n’Ajjer in Algeria, and many others. These are among the oldest paintings in the world! This video looks at some of the origins of art, or rather some of the earliest materials used to create our earliest art forms. Explore how our earliest human ancestors used this earth pigment to create a visual record across the world. The materials artists use to create art can reveal fascinating histories! Stay tuned for other videos about materials and their histories, including about cave art. We’d love to have you join our community, so please subscribe and get in touch. Note: ochre can also be spelled as ocher. Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank *CHAPTERS* 0:00 The origins of the first red paint, red ochre (or ocher) 1:00 Hematite and earth pigments 1:35 Homo erectus in Kenya and Homo Sapiens in Blombos Cave 2:01 Prehistoric cave paintings in Sulawesi, Indonesia; Cueva de los Manos, Argentina; and Hall of the Bulls, Lascaux, France 2:26 Making red paint 2:47 Using ochre Main artworks: 1. Bhimbekta rock painting, from 10,000 BCE onwards, India 2. Cueva de los Manos, 11,000 BCE–7500 BCE, Río Pinturas, Argentina 3. Hall of the Bulls, Lascaux Cave (replica in Lascaux II), Montignac, France, original: c. 16,000–14,000 BCE 4. Johannes Vermeer, View of Houses in Delft, also known as The Little Street, c. 1658, oil on canvas, 54.3 x 44 cm, The Rijksmuseum 5. Human figures with bows, rock art, c. 10,000 BCE, Tassili n'Ajjer, Algeria http://artsq.org/ *We’d love your support to keep making more content!* Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *Follow us* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial *Learn more* Secret History of the Color Red, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-secret-history-of-the-color-red/-wXxao99SLXVKg?hl=en A Journey to the Oldest Cave Paintings in the World, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/journey-oldest-cave-paintings-world-180957685/ #earliestart #prehistoric #arthistory #redochre #cave #caveart #paint #history #archaeology #lascauxgrotto #paleolithic #prehistoricart #blomboscave #caveart #ancient

Did you know that the Aztecs created floating gardens called chinampas because they lived on an island in the middle of a lake? The Aztec capital city, Tenochtitlan, had a large population, so to help feed the people in it, the Aztecs used these island gardens to cultivate crops. This form of gardening was important for helping to sustain the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs built canals between the chinampas to navigate between them. This video looks at the process of building chinampas and growing crops, and the legacy of chinampas today. Chinampas are a great example of Aztec engineering because they transformed an unlikely environment (a lake!) into artificial islands capable of feeding an empire. Did you know that axolotls were found among the canals too? (See our companion video to learn more about them! https://youtu.be/BuEGLwXrgM0?si=jev5PTb4UfDsZQ2E) Want to see chinampas in person? Today, visitors to Mexico City can still experience these floating gardens by visiting Xochimilco. Aboard a traditional trajinera, visitors can see canals and floating gardens. Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance. Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to chinampas or floating gardens 0:42 Chinampas, Lake Texcoco, and Tenochtitlan 1:24 Building artificial gardens 1:58 Growing crops 2:16 Natural filters for the environment and axolotls 2:47 Sustainability and food independence 3:26 The legacy of chinampas and modern gardening techniques 3:50 Visiting Xochimilco 4:06 Learning from Chinampas *LEARN MORE* Aztec art playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPucqZ5RFi5KkIcVlJwqFD18a&si=BEZ89SYeQM2hw4Id Aztec art shorts: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPuel5zJb5-RXsPyBwcypR7Kl&si=OEhGn302HNdpLUAY Mexican art playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPufiiHFswrVg8usvKGjMy5ll&si=xOC7dhLvFcuLTpqE AP Art History Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPucxwCn1pM4zLviin2blEvMH&si=NvimJzYIFvVma8HE Read about Xochimilco as a UNESCO World Heritage location: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/412/ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #aztecs #gardens #xochimilco #chinampas #aztecengineering #arthistory #floatinggardens #history #mesoamerica #tenochtitlan #island #mexicocity #farming #aztec #sustainability

Have you ever imagined seeing skeletons riding bicycles or wearing big, fancy hats? Dive into the fascinating world of skeletons and skulls, or "calaveras," created by the renowned Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. One of Posada’s most iconic creations is "La Calavera Catrina," a stylish skeleton lady with a broad smile and a grand hat adorned with feathers and lace. Artworks like “La Catrina” were made for Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a celebration that honors those who have passed away. But Posada produced art beyond the Day of the Dead, too. Born in 1852, José Guadalupe Posada had a passion for art from a young age. He mastered various printmaking techniques, creating over 20,000 images that illustrated life's hardships and humor. Posada’s art was for everyday people, making his prints accessible and relatable, even to those who couldn’t read. In his time, Posada was known for making satirical prints that poked fun at politicians and societal elites. These prints appeared in newspapers and broadsides—large, single-sided printed sheets similar to posters. Posada’s "calaveras," or skeletons engaging in everyday activities, became especially famous. These skeletal figures play a significant role in Día de los Muertos, celebrated on November 2nd when Mexican families honor their deceased loved ones with offerings on altars known as ofrendas. Posada’s skeleton images, often accompanied by satirical poems, made people laugh while reflecting on life’s truths. His legacy lives on, inspiring countless artists and bringing joy and reflection to those who view his work. "La Catrina" became an icon of Mexican culture, especially after painter Diego Rivera included her in his mural, "Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda," in 1947. Watch to learn more about Posada’s prints! Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to José Guadalupe Posada and his calaveras 0:38 Brief biography of Posada and his printmaking 1:24 Posada’s cartoons in newspapers and broadsides 2:18 Calaveras, or skulls and skeletons 2:41 Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) 3:15 Calaveras of cyclists 3:51 La Calavera Catrina, Posada’s most famous image 4:56 Diego Rivera’s Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda 5:12 Posada’s legacy Main artworks: José Guadalupe Posada, La Catrina Calavera, zincograph on green paper, 13 3/4 x 9 7/16 in. (35 x 24 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art. José Guadalupe Posada, broadsheet of Skeletons riding bicycles, c. 1895, type-metal engraving and letterpress, 23 5/8 x 15 3/4 in. (60 x 40 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art. *LEARN MORE* Mexican art playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPufiiHFswrVg8usvKGjMy5ll&si=xOC7dhLvFcuLTpqE ----------------------------- http://artsq.org/ *We’d love your support to keep making more content!* Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *Follow us* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #skeletons #prints #arthistory #worldhistory #Posada #skulls #DayoftheDead #LaCatrina #art #Mexico #modern #posadacatrina #history #art #educational

Axolotls are adorable smiling amphibians found naturally in only one place on earth today—Xochimilco, close to Mexico City. And did you know that the axolotl played a role in Aztec culture? The Aztecs (who called themselves the Mexica) once controlled central Mexico where Xochimilco is. Axolotls were not only signs of clean water among the lakes and canals of Tenochtitlan but they also were a source of food! We learn about the role of axolotls in Aztec culture in colonial manuscripts like the Florentine Codex, created in the later sixteenth century after the Spanish Conquest in 1521. In books like these, axolotls are illustrated and the accompanying text describes them. Axolotls are forever young! These salamanders look youthful for their entire lives. Also, here are some fun facts! Wooper Pokemon is based on an axolotl. And toothless from How to Train Your Dragon was based on axolotls. If you ever find yourself in Mexico, look for the new banknote with the axolotl on it! Let's journey back in time to look at what the Aztecs thought about the cute animals called axolotls. And let's see how we can help to protect their habitat among the floating gardens (called chinampas) because it is endangered! This video is a companion video to one that focuses on chinampas more specifically, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/ZHTTzYAqud0?si=seUSbQZYk5_Y-ICD Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to axolotls and the Aztecs 0:45 Tenochtitlan and Aztec chinampas 1:09 Aztec beliefs about axolotl 1:30 The Florentine Codex 2:20 The god Xolotl and the meaning of axolotl 2:42 Guardians of the canals and threats to their habitats 3:27 Actions to take to help protect axolotls *LEARN MORE* Aztec art playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPucqZ5RFi5KkIcVlJwqFD18a&si=BEZ89SYeQM2hw4Id Aztec art shorts: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPuel5zJb5-RXsPyBwcypR7Kl&si=OEhGn302HNdpLUAY Mexican art playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPufiiHFswrVg8usvKGjMy5ll&si=xOC7dhLvFcuLTpqE AP Art History Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbEekN1fVPucxwCn1pM4zLviin2blEvMH&si=NvimJzYIFvVma8HE Read about Xochimilco as a UNESCO World Heritage location: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/412/ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #aztecs #axolotl #gardens #xochimilco #chinampas #arthistory #floatinggardens #FlorentineCodex #AztecEmpire #mesoamerica #tenochtitlan #mexicocity #socialstudies #salamander