Art history3 Mar 2026The tragedy hidden in a 19th-Century paintingHow the devastating meaning of The Meeting on the Turret Stairs is unlocked by a medieval Danish ballad – and why the painting can only be viewed for two hours every week.3 Mar 202623 Feb 2026The darkness behind LS Lowry's famous city scenesIn 1957, the painter showed the BBC how he built up his pictures of industrial urban life from his imagination, and described the loneliness that informed them.23 Feb 202618 Feb 2026Why critics scorned Beryl Cook's 'saucy' paintingsBeryl Cook's paintings were loved by the British public but derided by the art establishment. One hundred years after her birth, a new exhibition argues for a reassessment of her work.18 Feb 202617 Feb 202610 early photographic 'fakes' that trick the eyeA century and a half before today's AI deep fakes, photographers created remarkable image manipulations. Here are 10 images from the 19th and 20th Centuries that tricked the viewer.17 Feb 202611 Feb 2026The true story of Japan's mysterious samuraiFrom medieval beginnings, the samurai have inspired art, fiction and films, from Shōgun to Star Wars. But their true story is more complex and surprising than we might realise.11 Feb 20264 Feb 2026The shocking truth behind historic anatomical artFor centuries, real dead bodies inspired great artists and science illustrators alike. A new exhibition reveals the dark stories behind these cadavers – and how they were acquired.4 Feb 202621 Dec 2025The ancient monuments saluting the winter solsticeDozens of mysterious structures across the Northern Hemisphere – some nearly 5,000 years old – align precisely to frame the rising and setting Sun on midwinter's shortest day.21 Dec 20256 Dec 2025Seven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThere is an art to rivalry. Mastering its rules has, since ancient times, shaped cultural history over millennia.6 Dec 20253 Dec 2025The 'It Girl' style wars of Renaissance ItalyMore than five centuries ago, a small number of style icons used flamboyant, luxurious looks to give them influence and power during a turbulent period of Italian history.3 Dec 2025...