Islam
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The religion of Islam originated in the 7th century in the Arabian peninsula. Islam was founded by an historic individual, the Prophet Muhammad (c. 570-632 CE). The message of Muhammad, considered God's last prophet, centered on his belief in the one true God, Allah. Muhammad's teachings were compiled in the Quran shortly after his death. Muslims acknowledge the Jewish Torah and the Christian Gospels, but believe that Islam is the perfection of the religion that was first revealed to Abraham.
Enamel
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Enamel is a translucent or opaque material with an appearance similar to glass or porcelain that is applied to metal, glass, or ceramic for the purpose of protection or decoration. It is commonly made from powdered fusible glasses and opaque colorants mixed with oil or water, which is sprayed or painted on an object, then fused by means of firing.
The making of Buddha sculptures in Thailand
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Nearly all Buddha images made in Thailand are hollow. It is believed Buddha figures predating the 20th-century were produced using the direct lost-wax method, which creates a single unique image as opposed to one that is cast from a mold of an existing image.
Saint Jerome (Christianity)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In Christianity, Saint Jerome is considered one of the four Latin Fathers of the Church. He divided his life between scholarship and ascetic practices. His great contribution to the Church was a new translation of the Hebrew Bible into Latin (the Vulgate).
Abduction of Europa (Rape of Europa)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In Greek mythology, Europa was the daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre. Zeus fell in love with her and, disguising himself as a white bull, came to where she played by the seashore with her attendants. Beguiled by the bull's good nature, she placed garland and flowers on its horns and climbed upon its back. Zeus took her to Crete where, resuming his normal shape, he ravished her.
The Influence of India in Southeast Asia: Java and Bali
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia absorbed religious and artistic influences from India. Merchants and missionaries brought Indian culture to this area from the 3rd century CE. onward. The arts of the kingdoms of central and eastern Java between the 8th and early 16th centuries represent a complex mixture of native tastes and the influence of both Buddhist and Hindu art from India.
The Influence of India in Southeast Asia: Thailand
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The many peoples of what is known today as Thailand began as worshippers of nature and natural forces, with a way of life based on farming. Thai architecture originated in wood, bamboo, and tile, although stone buildings later were created on Khmer models.
1986.56.FA Lawrence, Sir Thomas, Portrait of the Hon Mrs. Seymour Bathurst
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Sir Thomas Lawrence began earning his reputation as a portraitist at the end of the 18th century, and in 1794 he was elected a Royal Academician. He became immensely
1983.52.FA Paul Sérusier, Celtic Tale, 1894
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Two cloaked men, thought to be the artist and a companion, enter a mysterious landscape filled with sinuous, undulating lines and unexpected color combinations.