Sophisticated Spectra

Paul-Albert Besnard: An Emblematic Figure of French Symbolism

June 30, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

Paul-Albert Besnard (1849-1934) was a French painter and printmaker known for his contributions to the Symbolist movement. His work spanned a variety of styles and subjects, including portraiture, landscapes, and allegorical works, and his innovative use of color and light showed the influence of Impressionism.

Peter Mohrbacher's 'Angelarium': A Different Take on Angel Mythology

July 3, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

In 2005, Peter Mohrbacher stumbled upon the vast array of angel names present across the mythologies of the world. Intrigued, he embarked on his project titled "Angelarium". The Chicago-based illustrator has since been painting an ethereal army and guardians of the cosmos, each disembodied entity depicted in accordance with the elemental attribute it's identified with - be it water, earth, or air.

Bvlgari Celebrates 75 Years of Serpenti Collection with Exclusive Artistic Collaboration

July 4, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of its iconic Serpenti Collection, Bvlgari has pulled back the curtains on a truly special endeavor. The renowned luxury brand commissioned three contemporary artists - Sunwu Kim, Zhou Li, and Sophie Kitching - to lend their creative vision and unique craftsmanship to six exclusive handbags.

American Pop Culture in the 1970s and the Aesthetics of Playboy Covers

July 15, 2023 in Photography & Visuals by Julian Everett

The 1970s in America was a time of immense cultural transformation. It was a decade marked by the birth of new music genres, the rise of a counterculture that challenged societal norms, the continuation of the civil rights movement, and the impactful emergence of feminism.

Reviving Klimt's Lost Masterpieces through AI: A Collaboration between Google Art & Culture and Belvedere Museum

Aug. 7, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

In an incredible application of artificial intelligence, Google Art & Culture, in collaboration with Vienna's Belvedere Museum, has breathed life back into the black-and-white photographs of Gustav Klimt's lost masterpieces. Through a specially designed neural network, the project has colourised the pictures of the missing artwork based on the artist's style.

Benedetta Barzini in a Mink Coat Takes a Seat in a Cadillac Coupé de Ville

Aug. 9, 2024 in Photography & Visuals by Julian Everett

Benedetta Barzini, an iconic figure in the fashion world, is captured in a moment that epitomizes luxury and status. Dressed in a sumptuous mink coat, she gracefully takes a seat in a Cadillac Coupé de Ville, a vehicle that itself is a symbol of opulence. The photograph, taken by Gene Laurents, transcends mere hyperrealism, presenting a scene rich with symbolism.