History · Art · Architecture
History, art, and architecture — explained with warmth and clarity.
Short art history essays with academic grounding and a human voice. From Renaissance Florence to Scottish country houses.
Featured Essays
Read Any Time
Standalone essays — no prior reading required.
History · Medieval History
Medieval Burial Practices and the Concept of Purgatory
Caroline Bruzelius’s research reveals that the design of medieval churches was influenced by burial practices and theological beliefs, particularly the fear of Purgatory.
History
The Mendicant Orders in Edinburgh
How did the Dominicans and Franciscans choose where to build in medieval Edinburgh and what does their placement tell us about the city’s social and political geography?
Featured series
Explore the Series
Multi-part essays that go deeper — start at Part 1 and follow the story.
Art History · Renaissance
The Mona Lisa
4-part series
Who painted it, why it matters, and what it actually means — a close reading of the world’s most famous portrait.
Art History · Renaissance
Michelangelo’s David
4-part series
From the intellectual origins of the Renaissance to the political symbolism of the David itself — understanding Michelangelo’s masterpiece in full.
History · Renaissance
History of Florence
4-part series
From Etruscan origins through the Medici and the late Renaissance — the full story of one of history’s most remarkable cities.
Forthcoming from Edinburgh University Press
The Estate and the Country House in Scotland, circa 1700
A Case Study of Sir William Bruce’s Hopetoun House
Using Hopetoun House as a case study, this book studies the intertwined relationship between land management, estate development and country house construction in the early decades of the eighteenth century.
For people who want to understand history, not just know it.
New essays on art, history, and architecture — delivered straight to your inbox.
New essays, no spam, unsubscribe anytime — Privacy Policy.
Browse by Topic
Explore essays by subject