Historical Events tagged with "art"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Arts & Culture

Rockwell's Four Freedoms Debut in The Saturday Evening Post

February 20th, 1943 82 years ago

Norman Rockwell's iconic Four Freedoms series began with the publication of 'Freedom of Speech' in The Saturday Evening Post. This powerful illustration accompanied a call for civil liberties and was inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt's vision articulated during his 1941 State of the Union address. The series aimed to promote the values of democracy and was set against the backdrop of World War II, emphasizing the importance of freedom as a universal right.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

Ansel Adams Captures Iconic Moonrise Photo

November 1st, 1941 83 years ago

Ansel Adams captured the famous 'Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico' photograph, transforming the landscape into an iconic image. Utilizing his large-format camera, Adams was inspired by the beautiful lighting over the town, where the moon lit up the clouds against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The photograph not only exemplified the grandeur of the American West but also showcased Adams' mastery of black-and-white photography and the Zone System, which allowed for detailed tonal range. The image became pivotal in American photography, symbolizing the intersection of nature and artistry.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

Norman Rockwell's Willie Gillis Character Debuts

October 4th, 1941 83 years ago

Willie Gillis, a character by Norman Rockwell, made his debut on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in October 1941. This character is often seen as a representation of the American soldier during World War II, embodying both the joys and challenges faced by young men in military service. Rockwell's art captured the essence of American life in this time, showing Gillis in a relatable setting, reflecting the spirit of the nation during a tumultuous period. The cover became iconic, symbolizing hope and resilience.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

Establishment of the Tartu Art Museum

November 17th, 1940 84 years ago

The Tartu Art Museum was established to promote Estonian art and culture post-Soviet occupation. It aimed to collect, preserve, and exhibit visual arts from Estonia and beyond, contributing to the cultural life of Tartu, which has been a center for education and culture in Estonia.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

Hitler Tours Paris with Speer and Breker

June 23rd, 1940 84 years ago

In a rare personal visit to Paris, Adolf Hitler, accompanied by architect Albert Speer and sculptor Arno Breker, embarked on a three-hour tour to assess the city's iconic architecture. This tour took place shortly after France's capitulation to Nazi Germany, showcasing Hitler’s interest in the city's monumental structures and his vision for expanding his architectural ideology. Throughout the tour, they discussed potential renovations and the incorporation of Nazi symbolism into the French landscape, marking a significant moment in the intertwining of art, architecture, and propaganda.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

London International Surrealist Exhibition Launches

June 11th, 1936 88 years ago

The London International Surrealist Exhibition opened to the public at the New Burlington Galleries. This groundbreaking event displayed works by surrealist artists, including Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and André Breton, showcasing the imaginative and often bizarre aesthetics typical of surrealism. It aimed to present the ideas and artworks that challenged traditional perceptions of reality and art. The exhibition drew significant attention and marked a pivotal moment for surrealism in Britain.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Formation of the Works Progress Administration

April 8th, 1935 89 years ago

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was established under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 to provide jobs for millions of Americans suffering from the Great Depression. The WPA aimed to create public works projects that would build infrastructure and offer employment opportunities. It became one of the largest and most ambitious programs of the New Deal, significantly impacting the U.S. economy and labor market.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

LAPD Dismantles Political Art Show

February 11th, 1933 92 years ago

The LAPD Red Squad raided the John Reed Club in Los Angeles, targeting its art show that focused on leftist political themes. In the raid, officials destroyed approximately a dozen artworks, which were viewed as subversive and disruptive, reflecting the growing tension against leftist movements during this period. The raid highlighted the intersection of politics and art, revealing a contentious atmosphere where political expressions faced suppression from law enforcement, raising questions about artistic freedom and civil liberties in America.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

Gutzon Borglum starts Mount Rushmore sculpture

October 4th, 1927 97 years ago

Gutzon Borglum, a renowned American sculptor, began his monumental project of sculpting the faces of four U.S. presidents into the granite of the Black Hills in South Dakota. The project aimed to create a lasting tribute to the nation’s history and ideals, selecting George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt for their significant contributions. Borglum's vision and ambition for this iconic American landmark set the stage for what would become a pivotal piece of cultural heritage, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Continue Reading