In the flesh

Isabella d’Este, Marchioness of Mantua, bargained, cajoled and went behind her family’s back to get what she desired. Meet 16th-century Italy’s most formidable collector

The form of St Mary Magdalene started life ...

'Compared to the men's racing, where there are a few riders especially one who win most of the time, in the women's races it's much more open.' So says pro racing photographer Francesco Rachello, and

Exhibition of the week The Wonder of Art: ...

An ocean of prejudice met the American heiresses who came to Britain at the dawn of the 20th century, but there was more to them than their wealth. Some earned their own titles, one flew helicopters and another made history as Britain’s first female MP

When Anne Pitt sat for Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun in Rome, the French artist portrayed the young British aristocrat as Hebe, daughter of Zeus–complete with an eagle painted from life. Sarah Fortescue traces the picture’s story