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.

General Victorious

Pre-Emperor Napoleon in all his glory as the victorious general in the late 1790's campaigns in Italy, as depicted in "Napoleon Crossing the Alps" by Jacques-Louis David, 1801.

Light Cavalry of the Emperor

The light cavarly were a key part of every army o the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. Their main role as scouts, flank protectors, raiders and to run down broken enemies were fullfilled by a huge amount of colorful regiments. These are the French 11th Hussars and 6th Chevau-Legers-Lanciers. In the background you see artillery support from a Wurttemberg horse artillery battery and a light infantry regiment, the 2nd Wurttemberg Jagers.

The Greatest Recruiting Poster Design

Most Americans instantly recognize the poster of Uncle Sam wanting you for the US Army. Few Americans realize that this poster idea was copied from the British one shown here where Field Marshal Lord Kitchener wants you to join the British Army.
Lord Kitchener was the War Secretary of Great Britain from the start of the Great War until he died when HMS Hampshire was sunk in 1916.