Blogs - KLU

Architectural history on a euro note

You probably know the euro notes, especially the smallest notes you will have held in your hands many times. But have you ever studied them closely? Because on the notes you can see the main architectural styles from European architectural history recognise. From small to large, ancient to modern, each note shows fantasised architecture appropriate to a period. Below, we set them out for you.

Symbolism: for learning and entertainment

Do you ever look at a painting and think: beautifully painted, but what does the representation actually represent? We call that field symbolism in art or Iconography. Can symbols, themes or stories be recognised, or is there a hidden and deeper meaning to be unravelled? This is often not as simple as it seems, as different interpretations of visual language are possible.

Surrealism is dead, long live surrealism

André Breton tells how once, in a semi-conscious state just before falling asleep, he was struck by a phrase that just popped into his mind. "A man cut in two by a window." The phrase intrigued him, and the moment Breton decided to incorporate the phrase into a poem, new words and phrases surfaced.

Leda and the swan

Ever since classical antiquity, the swan has symbolised beauty, elegance and perfection in the arts. Not surprisingly, in the Greek myth of Leda and the swan became very popular in art. The myth tells of the infatuated Zeus who failed to seduce the married Leda. He decided to turn her into a swan.

Renaissance, baroque and impressionism: a journey through art history.

The Renaissance, Baroque and Impressionism are three of the most famous art movements in art history. Each movement has its own characteristics and influences, but they also have some common elements that link them together.

Rembrandt and Caravaggio

That artists influence each other is of all centuries. The Romans were already copying the art of the Greeks, involving both imitation and assimilation of visual motifs. The same is actually true of Rembrandt and Caravaggio, but should the similarities between the two painters be understood as imitation or inspiration?

Five unusual Dutch bridges

Bridges are not easily associated with architecture, yet they are indeed an important discipline in the world of construction and design. They are not just engineering marvels that have to withstand all kinds of loads or weather conditions. They are also often beautiful designs, a feast for the eyes. We give you an overview of five extraordinary Dutch bridges.

The female ideal in Nazi propaganda

During the Nazi regime (1933-1945) in Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, propaganda played an important role in spreading ideology. Hitler formulated his thoughts on the place of women in fascist society. Indeed, she fulfilled a special role within ideology and propaganda. What did this female ideal image in Nazi propaganda look like?

Dante's Inferno and Dan Brown's Inferno compared

Hurry up, ahead, the chasers are hot on our heels. In the chase scenes, Dan Brown's thriller gets Inferno momentum. Dante Alighieri's Inferno (literally: Hell) is the first of three volumes of the 14th-century Divina Commedia, a quest for God that ultimately ends well, unlike the American bestselling author's novel.