On the 350th anniversary of the death of John Milton, we examine four artworks that explore themes of desire, temptation, rebellion and loss
As Diwali continues in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore four objects that capture several elements of the festival and its mythology
To coincide with United Nations Day, we look at four artworks and objects designed to promote harmony or tranquillity
People have always used clothing to express their individuality and sometimes to rebel against societal norms – as these four artworks and photographs show
These four artworks show how the imagination – the incubator of all human creativity – can be drawn on to conjure entirely new worlds
To mark 50 years since the death of the poet Anne Sexton, we look at four artworks that demonstrate how women poets have long been a source of inspiration for artists
On World Tourism Day, it seems a perfect time to revisit the ways in which artists have depicted global travel over the last two centuries
Sculptures and their natural surroundings can shape each other in subtle and sometimes visually stunning ways, as these four artworks demonstrate
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of the conceptual artist On Kawara, we look at four artworks that derive their power and meaning from data
In honour of the annual Fête de la Musique, which takes place this year on 21 June, we look at four objects that embody the fertile relationship between art, craft and music
To mark 180 years since Charles Goodyear got his patent for vulcanised rubber approved, we look at four artworks that capture the appeal of automotives through the years
As climate change continues to affect the world and the way we see it, here are four paintings of weather events, which serve as dramatic reminders of the power of nature and of human vulnerability
To mark the anniversary of the death of Tintoretto, we look at four magnificent artworks from the influential Venetian School of painting
As 24 May marks the anniversary of the openings of two iconic bridges, we look at how these engineering marvels have been captured in art around the world
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the invention of the Rubik’s Cube, we look at four toys and games spanning centuries and continents that offer different perspectives on how to have fun
To mark the anniversary of the birth of Salvador Dalí, who played all sorts of temporal tricks in his paintings, we look at four artworks that address the forward march of time
As Hindu communities around the world celebrate Holi, we look at four artworks that depict this vibrantly colourful festival
To mark the anniversary of Isadora Duncan’s first performance in Europe, we look at four artworks that immortalise the trailblazing dancer
In honour of the centenary of Eduardo Paolozzi’s birth, we look at four works that convey the dazzling variety of forms mosaics have taken throughout history
In tribute to Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the trailblazing African American who qualified as a doctor 160 years ago today, we look at four works that celebrate the women who have shaped medicine over the years
To mark Winslow Homer’s birthday, we look at four very different marine scenes from across the ages – including one by the Boston-born painter himself
From pancakes to parades, pre-Lent indulgences bring joy to countless communities around this time of year
Chinese New Year is nigh – but the zodiac’s most auspicious creature has a storied history of baring its fangs in many other cultures, too
As the time-honoured tradition taps into our desire for spring, we dig into four seasonal subjects
