Art Nouveau

The Art Nouveau style was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are some samples of this beautiful style.

Warrior Incense Burners

This pair of Aztec warrior effigy incense burners were found at the entrance of a tomb. They are from CE 1200–1500, made of ceramic and belong to the Jay I. Kislak Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress. Both have warrior images on the front, each with a different color kilt, one blue and one red. The warriors are armed with Atl-atl spear throwers and circular shields. The Atl-atl was a feared weapon in the hands of a skilled warrior.

Now That's a Helmet!

Two views of a Renaissance era helmet built as both a work of art and a device of intimidation. The frightening design of some fantastic mytical creature was designed to have had a shocking effect upon first time observers.

The Story of Rome

This famous bronze statue in the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art relates the story of the twins Romulus and Remus. The twins were raised by a she wolf and then went on to found the city of Rome. The name of Rome was chosen literally over the dead body of Remus as Romulus won the final argument.