Videos

Discover the bloodletting ritual of the ancient Maya queen Lady K'abal Xook (Lady Xoc), shown piercing her tongue with a thorned rope and making a sacred offering to the gods on Lintel 24 from Yaxchilán. This video explores bloodletting among women in the Classic Maya world through one of the most famous sculptures from Yaxchilán, a Maya city-state in Chiapas, Mexico. Lady Xook, the wife of King Shield Jaguar (Itzamnaaj B'alam III), performs a bloodletting ritual as part of her royal responsibility. Bloodletting was central to Maya beliefs, and this video discusses why it was important. The role of women in such rituals is also preserved in the murals of Bonampak, where a group of royal women is shown performing similar acts of bloodletting. In both Bonampak and Yaxchilán, these images conveyed elite power, religious duty, and the belief that royal blood nourished the cosmos. This video is perfect for anyone interested in: ✅ Ancient Maya history, archaeology, or art history ✅ Royal women and queenship ✅ Mesoamerica ✅ Bloodletting or autosacrifice ✅ The history of women Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos about art history, history, and archaeology! It really helps our small channel, and we appreciate it. *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Lady Xook and Lintel 24 0:30 Understanding bloodletting 1:04 How the ritual is depicted on Lintel 24 1:48 Blood in Maya cosmology 3:30 Bonampak comparison Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history Learn about the ancient Maya: https://www.artsq.org/the-ancient-maya-of-mesoamerica Join this channel membership to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSZVIXd3ZgTFRv9vHJKU8Q/join ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #mesoamerica #blood #queen #arthistory #mexico #archaeology #mayans #historyofart #womeninhistory #medievalart #ancientamerica #learningisfun #history #ancientamerica #worldhistory

Learn about the impasto painting technique through Vincent van Gogh’s Roses, painted in 1890. Discover what impasto is and why van Gogh’s thick, textured brushstrokes enliven his paintings. This still life of pink roses (now faded) contrasts beautifully with mint green tones, but it’s the rich, sculptural paint that gives the work its movement and emotion. Van Gogh’s use of impasto can also be seen in his iconic Starry Night, where swirling skies and bold strokes create a sense of movement. Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank ✨ We appreciate any support you can give so that we can keep making content for you! ✨ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSZVIXd3ZgTFRv9vHJKU8Q/join *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Vincent van Gogh’s Roses 0:48 Defining Impasto 1:12 Impasto in van Gogh's painting 2:21 Applying paint 2:35 Comparison with other artists (Rachel Ruysch) and the term painterly 2:55 Emotion and drama in painting ✨ Want to develop greater confidence in describing art? Check out our close-looking materials! https://www.artsq.org/learning-to-look-art-history✨ Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history ---------------------------- *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 #postimpressionism #impasto #vincentvangogh #19thcentury #modernart #arthistory #historyofart #painting #paintingtechniques #painting #19thcenturyart #artappreciation #glossary

Learn about Lady Ik’ Skull, an ancient Maya queen of Yaxchilán, by looking at Stela 35 from Structure 21. Draped in jade jewelry and a towering feathered headdress, Lady Ik’ Skull performs a bloodletting ritual to secure her family’s legacy. But who was she, and what does this monument reveal about ancient Maya politics, religion, and royal women? In this video, we take a close look at Stela 35, a beautifully preserved Maya stela. This is one of the only known images of Lady Ik’ Skull (also called Lady Eveningstar), a queen from the 8th century who played a pivotal role in the rise of her son, Bird Jaguar IV. Through this stela, we explore the ceremony of bloodletting, Maya royal attire, and the ways elite women gained and displayed power. This video is perfect for: ✅ Middle and high school students studying ancient civilizations ✅ Educators teaching ancient Maya history, archaeology, or art history ✅ Lifelong learners curious about ancient tombs and royal women ✅ Fans of Mesoamerican culture and archaeology ✅ Anyone interested in Yaxchilán or ancient Maya queenship ✅ Anyone interested in the history of women Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos about art history, history, and archaeology! It really helps our small channel, and we appreciate it. *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to Lady Ik' Skull of Yaxchilán 0:29 Stela 35 as a primary source 0:42 From Calakmul to Yaxchilán, and her marriage to Itzamnaaj Bahlam III (Shield Jaguar) 1:07 Her son becomes king 1:30 A close look at Stela 35 2:24 Recoding a bloodletting ceremony 3:03 Connections to Lady K'abal Xook 3:13 More about Stela 35 and Structure 21 3:37 Lady Ik' Skull's role at Yaxchilán Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history Learn about other ancient Maya queens and kings: https://www.artsq.org/the-ancient-maya-of-mesoamerica Join this channel membership to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSZVIXd3ZgTFRv9vHJKU8Q/join ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #mesoamerica #queen #arthistory #mexico #archaeology #mayans #historyofart #womeninhistory #medievalart #ancientamerica #yaxchilan #learningisfun #history #ancientamerica #worldhistory

In this video, we explore the chimalli, a type of shield from Mesoamerica, once used by warriors of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire. Many chimalli were made from vibrant bird feathers, though few survive today. The chimalli was both a defensive weapon and an important cultural symbol. We focus on the meaning of chimalli in Nahuatl (the language spoken by the Mexica/Aztecs), how it was used in battle and ceremonies, and what its presence in codices like the Codex Mendoza tells us about Mexica ideas around warfare, status, and identity. This video is perfect for anyone interested in: ✅ The Aztecs ✅ Mesoamerica ✅ Warfare and Warriors ✅ Mesoamerican symbols ✅ Indigenous Artistic Traditions Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos about art history, history, and archaeology! It really helps our small channel and we really appreciate it. Join this channel membership to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSZVIXd3ZgTFRv9vHJKU8Q/join *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to chimalli 0:47 As defensive objects 1:14 As symbols 2:17 What survives **Learn more about the Mexica (Aztecs) with our short introduction to the Aztecs textbook chapter! Includes discussion questions, a quiz, and more.** https://www.artsq.org/store/p/aztecs-mesoamerica-informational-text-reading **Learn more about Aztec deities and mythology—like how to identify different gods and goddesses!** https://www.artsq.org/store/p/aztecs-gods-goddesses-mythology-informational-text-reading Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #aztecempire #aztecs #warriors #mesoamerica #aztechistory #shield #shields #precolumbian #feathers #northamerica #historyofart #historyeducation #history #medievalart

According to Nahua myths and history, the Mexica (often called the Aztecs) began their long migration from a place called Aztlan, an island in the middle of a lake. But where exactly was Aztlan? And what drove them to leave their homeland? In this video, we explore the origin story of the Mexica, focusing on how it appears in the Codex Boturini (Tira de la Peregrinación), a 16th-century manuscript that visually narrates this journey. From their departure at the behest of their patron god Huitzilopochtli to their search for the sign of an eagle perched on a cactus, learn how the journey from Aztlan shaped the founding of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. We also discuss how the term Aztec derives from “Aztlan.” *CHAPTERS* 0:00 An Introduction to Aztlan 0:31 Aztlan, the Aztec Homeland 1:11 The Departure from Aztlan 2:00 The Establishment of Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco 2:23 The Name “Aztec” and Aztlan This video is perfect for anyone interested in: ✅ The Aztecs ✅ Mesoamerica ✅ Mythology and History ✅ Mesoamerican symbols ✅ Early Colonial Manuscripts/Codices Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos about art history, history, and archaeology! It really helps our small channel and we really appreciate it. Join this channel membership to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSZVIXd3ZgTFRv9vHJKU8Q/join Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history Grab our Introduction to the Aztecs text! https://www.artsq.org/store/p/aztecs-mesoamerica-informational-text-reading ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #mesoamerica #aztlan #aztec #aztechistory #aztecempire #arthistory #precolumbian #migration #history #historicalart #tenochtitlan #Mexico #socialstudies #educationalvideos #medievalart

The term “en plein air” means “in the open air” and refers to painting outdoors, directly from nature. This video explores Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise (1872), which captures the port of Le Havre at dawn. Learn how he used en plein air techniques to create this famous Impressionist painting. We’ll look at how this method, popularized by artists like Monet, allowed artists to capture the changing effects of light, weather, and seasons. Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSZVIXd3ZgTFRv9vHJKU8Q/join *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Monet's Impression, Sunrise 0:26 What is en plein air painting? 1:04 Monet at work 1:24 The name Impressionism 2:06 How to paint in the open air Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history ---------------------------- *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 #impressionism #enpleinair #claudemonet #19thcentury #seascape #seascapepainting #arthistory #historyofart #painting #paintingtechniques #painting #19thcenturyart #artappreciation #glossary

What is a landscape painting? In this video, we examine José María Velasco's Valley of Mexico to gain a deeper understanding of landscape painting traditions. José María Velasco is one of Mexico’s most celebrated 19th-century artists. His sweeping views of the Valley of Mexico are beautiful and deeply tied to Mexican identity, national pride, and Aztec (Mexica) symbolism. Learn how Velasco blended art, science, and history, and why landscape paintings like his matter far beyond their aesthetic appeal. We also examine a wide variety of other landscape paintings, such as Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, a folding screen by Ogata Kōrin, and Albert Bierstadt’s Rocky Mountains, Lander’s Peak. This video is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about: ✅ Landscape Painting ✅ Genres in Art ✅ Language to describe art ✅ Art History ✅ Mexican Art ✅ World Art History Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSZVIXd3ZgTFRv9vHJKU8Q/join *CHAPTERS* 0:00 What is landscape painting? 0:54 Landscape paintings by Ogata Kōrin, Albert Bierstadt, and Vincent van Gogh 1:44 Velasco’s Valley of Mexico 2:39 Deeper meanings in Velasco’s landscape paintings Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history ---------------------------- *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 #landscapepainting #velasco #mexico #mexicanart #arthistory #19thcentury #19thcenturyhistory #japanesepaintings #painting #glossary #terms #learningisfun #virginofguadalupe #environment #historyofart

People of the ancient Andes made some of the most incredible ceramics in world art history. In this video, learn about Nazca ceramics, specifically double-spout and bridge vessels. These ceramics showcase a dazzling array of forms and colors. Nazca culture left no written records, so these vessels help us understand their society and history. We explore how and why this is a distinctive vessel form from ancient Peru. Note: An alternative spelling for Nazca is Nasca. This video is perfect for anyone interested in: ✅ The Ancient Andes ✅ Andean Archaeology ✅ Ceramics, including Paracas and Nazca Ceramics ✅ Ancient Art ✅ Indigenous Artistic Traditions Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos about art history, history, and archaeology! It really helps our small channel and we really appreciate it. Join this channel membership to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSZVIXd3ZgTFRv9vHJKU8Q/join *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Paracas and Nazca Cultures in Ancient Peru 0:29 What is a double spout and bridge vessel? 1:14 Origins in Paracas Culture 1:42 Creating Vessels and the Coiling Method 2:07 Nazca Imagery 3:00 Colors Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #arthistory #peru #archaeology #paracas #nazca #historyofart #ceramics #ancientart #ancientamerica #learningisfun #history #ancientperu #southamerica #worldhistory