The Birth of Venus is part of our visual lexicon – we have all seen her, but what do we really know about this goddess? All the medieval fantasy and symbolism of 14th century Florence are wrapped up i

The secret meaning of Vermeer’s art

Still in her 20s, Gracia Mendes Nasi (Nacy), better known as Doña Gracia, was recently widowed and fabulously rich. She should have been able to live in comfort for the rest of her life. Her husband,

Travelling the world, with a nomadic lifestyle, Belinda Eaton’s unique style derives from an infusion of diverse cultural influences. With arresting portraits of giant birds and tattooed women, set on

Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer made headlines when it was sold last month, but behind the dizzying price and the magnificent artwork hides the story of an ingenious ruse to escape Nazi persecution

The piece I’d never part with