This painting, by the French artist Jean-Victor Bertin (c. 1767-1842), is largely a landscape work that is dominated by a shallow stream running below...
This painting, by the French artist Henri Leopold Lévy (c. 1840 - 1904), was inspired by the interesting correspondence that occurred between Charlemagne (aka...
Emperor Heraclius seized power over Constantinople and its empire by force in 610, usurping the throne from his predecessor, Emperor Phocas (r. 602-610)—who was,...
In the first decade of the 11th century, several Nordic adventurers were said to have led expeditions to North America, with Leif Eiriksson (featured...
This painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (c. 1828 - 1882) depicts an encounter between the famous poet, Dante Alighieri (c. 1265-1321), and his muse,...
This painting, by the French artist Jean-Victor Bertin (c. 1767-1842), is largely a landscape work that is dominated by a shallow stream running below...
Lucan (c. 39-65)
"Fortune saves
many guilty men, and nature's divine powers
can only vent their wrath on unlucky wretches."
From Lucan’s Civil War (Book 3, approximately line...
This painting, by the American artist Samuel Finley Breese Morse (c. 1791–1872), was inspired by stories of the death of the mythical hero, Hercules...
Socrates (c. 469-399 BCE)
"I prefer nothing, unless it is true."
This saying, attributed to Socrates, was recorded in Plato’s Euthyphro (section 14e). The translation...
Although the renowned ancient Roman Senate was greatly reduced in power and influence after the transformative era of figures such as Julius Caesar (c....
Pliny the Younger (r. 61/62-113) was a man of many interests. Professionally, he made a career as a prominent lawyer, assessor and government bureaucrat,...
This artwork, by the French artist Eugène Delacroix (c. 1798-1863), was created as he visualized and practiced for a painting that he would produce...
William Shakespeare (c. 1564 – 1616)
"Cupid is a knavish lad,
Thus to make poor females mad."
From William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act...
Japan’s imperial Yamato Dynasty traces its origins to ancient myth and legend, but its imperial government apparatus really began to solidify around the 7th...
Aeschylus (c. 525-456 BCE)
"The reach for power can recoil,
the bolt of god can strike you at a glance."
From Aeschylus’ Agamemnon (approximately lines 460-465),...
This artwork by Benjamin West (c. 1738-1820), painted with earth tone washes and highlighted with bright shades of gouache, depicts a specific tale about...
