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Explore curated art stories to understand the cultural context and artistic development of historical periods

Plague, Prayer, and Hope: Illness and Redemption in Art
5 minutes
Europe (Italy, the Netherlands, France)
1200-1810

Plague, Prayer, and Hope: Illness and Redemption in Art

From the miraculous healing of Saint Bonaventure to Napoleon’s visit to plague victims, artworks reveal the intertwining of disease, faith, and hope.

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From Royal Palaces to National Symbols: Continuous Narratives in London Paintings
5 minutes
London, United Kingdom
1700-1800

From Royal Palaces to National Symbols: Continuous Narratives in London Paintings

Through the brushstrokes of artists, we see how urban spaces shifted from royal exclusivity to public sharing, and ultimately became part of national memory.

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Dust and Freedom: The Historical Arc of the Paris Commune
Paris, France
1815–1871

Dust and Freedom: The Historical Arc of the Paris Commune

From the execution of Marshal Ney to the bloodshed at Père Lachaise, five paintings weave together a century of sacrifice and the pursuit of freedom in Paris.

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Dust, Barricades, and Shadows: Everyday Life and Historical Upheavals in 19th-Century Paris
5 minutes
Paris, France
1800-1830

Dust, Barricades, and Shadows: Everyday Life and Historical Upheavals in 19th-Century Paris

Through five paintings, experience the waves of history and the spirit of the age within the daily life of 19th-century Paris.

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