Art & DesignThe hidden meanings in a 16th-Century female sketchHow a rarely-seen drawing of the Three Graces by Raphael reveals the era's ideas about nudity, modesty, shame – and the artist's genius.See moreLatest headlinesHow art saved actor from 'paralysing' depression24 hrs agoLondon'Art helps me deal with my cancer diagnosis'3 days agoShropshireHistoric barracks to host 'living parade' 3 days agoTyneSilent auction marks art charity's 40th birthday3 days agoSurreySearch for boys featured in Tate exhibition photos3 days agoEnglandFeaturesA fresh examination of Surrealism, a century on Dismissed by some as unserious or silly, Surrealist art was in fact largely born out of the brutal trauma of living under fascism, as these five striking works reveal.12 Nov 2024CultureThe climate warnings in 19th-Century paintingsA new exhibition examines how artists began portraying the damage of industrialisation.9 Nov 2024CultureEight vintage photos of the quirkiest US groupsCelebrating "the joy of being together", here are group portraits – taken by photographer Neal Slavin between 1972 and 1991 – that show both togetherness and peculiarity in US life.5 Nov 2024CultureHow Maasai people were reunited with precious heirloomsThe return of stolen objects is helping Maasai people to rediscover community bonds lost generations ago.1 Nov 2024FutureInside eight of the best fashion designers' homesEach of these remarkable interiors reflects its creative owner's unique vision – from a British bohemian-lady-of-the-manor style to a 14th-Century Florentine palazzo.22 Oct 2024Culture'Dirt doesn't burn': The people rebuilding their homes with earthThese people are rebuilding homes lost to wildfires in the western US – only this time they are using a material that they hope won't burn.22 Oct 2024FutureWatchA look inside Michelangelo's 'secret room'The BBC gets access to Michelangelo's 'secret hiding room' under the Medici Chapel in Florence.2 Nov 2024Art & DesignStriking images capturing the 'dark underbelly of America'Why legendary crime photographer Weegee offers a crucial lens to understand the American psyche.16 Oct 2024Art & DesignHow a mythical symbol is inspiring Turkish artistsThe Shahmaran, or "ruler of the snakes", is a mythical figure that is popular in Turkish folklore and seen by some as a good luck symbol.12 Jul 2024Art & DesignThe hidden world behind Claude Monet's artFind out how the rich culture of Normandy in Northern France inspired one of the world's greatest artists.29 Jun 2024Art & DesignThe Lebanese artist championing vegan silkArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a modern designer's take on Doha's Museum of Islamic Art's collection.20 Dec 2023Art & DesignWhat do we mean when we talk about 'Islamic art'?Art critic Alastair Sooke travels to Doha to discover some of the treasures of the Museum of Islamic Art.19 Dec 2023Art & DesignThe Doha Hind: The charming 10th-Century garden ornamentArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a decorative 10th-Century treasure at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art.19 Dec 2023Art & DesignBlue Quran: A rare 1,000-year-old masterpieceArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a masterpiece of the Islamic world at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art.19 Dec 2023Art & DesignTaiwan's last cinema poster painterPartially blind, he vows to continue until he can no longer see.9 Nov 2023ArtOtherworldly photos of an Arctic cityPhotographer Elena Chernyshova explores what it’s like to live in a city 400km north of the Arctic Circle.9 Nov 2023Art & DesignThe renegade artists of a lawless desert townDeep in the Sonoran Desert, an off-grid community are creating art in 'the last free place in America'.9 Nov 2023Art & DesignThe beautiful homes made from bambooCould bamboo be the future of sustainable architecture?9 Nov 2023Art & DesignThe dark history of Comuna 13Comuna 13 is a thriving hub of graffiti artists, music and culture. 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