In Focus

William Wordsworth, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" (commonly known as "Daffodils"), 1804-1807.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Widely cited as the most famous poem in the English language, William Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," is the likely source for the title of Charles Webster Hawthorne's A Golden Host of Daffodils.

William Wordsworth, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" (commonly known as "Daffodils"), originally published in 1807

Gustav Stickley's Rustic armchair

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In May of 1903, in an article on the design and furnishing of the Craftsman house, Gustav Stickley first provided an endorsement of woven willow furniture by suggesting that “a few willow chairs, stained a spring-like green” might serve to “lighten the otherwise too heavy and sombre effect of line and color” with

Linen Chest

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
"The sole consideration at the basis of the design must be the thing itself and not its ornamentation.

Narrative for Alexander and the Family of Darius

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The encounter between Alexander the Great and the relatives of his defeated foe was described in detail by the first century historian, Quintus Curtius. According to Curtius, after Alexander's triumph over the Persian Emperor Darius II at the Battle of Issus, the emperor's wife, mother, and daughters were held captive. When the fighting ceased, Alexander visited the women's tent accompanied by his closest friend Hephaestion.

A Gothic Revival Bedstead

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Henry Clay was one of the most popular politicians in 19th-century America. His skillful practicality in political matters earned him the nickname "The Great Compromiser." He managed, among other political feats, to forestall the outbreak of the American Civil War by at least a decade through his ability to work effectively with both sides in heated political contests.

A Vogue for Rustic

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The late 19th century was characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization that transformed the landscape and lifestyle of the United States.

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.