The American artist, skilled at both painting and publicity, created a sensation similar to the social media–famous exhibitions of today.

The salt we see in 17th-century still lifes was central to the Dutch economy—and Dutch colonialism.

Steven Nelson considers how artist Simone Leigh has created a body of work unapologetically for Black women.

This sailor was one of the first Black figures at the center of a history painting. What can a close look tell us about Black life during colonial times?

From the Native peoples lobbying to keep their homelands to immigrants facing challenges in their new home, works from our collection help us understand our nation’s beginnings.

A print by Frank Hartley Anderson reminds chef Adrienne Cheatham of the church meals she grew up with—and of a recipe for buttered rolls.

Artists from Mary Cassatt to Roy Lichtenstein have spent the warmer months making works about busy beaches, ripe raspberries, fresh flowers, and other signs of the season.

To present sitters in the best possible light and perfect his portrait photographs, 20th-century Harlem photographer Van Der Zee even drew jewelry onto his negatives.

Looking to learn more about art? Explore a selection of activities, lesson plans, and videos for educators and students for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to high schoolers.

We know so much more about Dave than we otherwise would because he signed his vessels, and also inscribed them with poems, during a period of harsh anti-literacy laws.