New Publication Alert! Arts in Society: Academic Rhapsodies Have you finished our blog and are you looking for more open access content on the arts in society to read from home? Look no further, we have a fresh open access publication for you! Lieke Smits, Tim Vergeer, Sophia Hendrikx and Merel Oudshoorn • March 31, 2020
Brunelleschi and the Dome of Florence: How to Make a City Proud The cultural hero displays a fixed set of characteristics: brilliance of mind, work ethos, and a talent no one else possesses. These qualities explain how Filippo Brunelleschi could create one of Tuscany’s greatest landmarks, 600 years ago. Leanne Jansen • March 26, 2020
Suppliers of Beauty. The role of the Dutch art dealer in the nineteenth century The 33rd edition of TEFAF this month confirms the relevant position of art dealers as important gatekeepers of the art market once again. But what about the early days of this fascinating discipline, did they function as suppliers of beauty or rather as calculated businessmen? Babette Claassen • March 19, 2020
LUCAS Explains #3: Why does apple pie with whipped cream affect your museum experience? What makes art taste good? By serving cake, museums might help you along. Why does apple pie with whipped cream affect your museum experience? Nynke Feenstra explains how a museum visit is part of a complex interplay of experiences that transcend the time and place of your visit. Nynke Feenstra • March 10, 2020
Hustling in Holland: Representing the Rural in Hip-hop and ‘Hollands Hoop’ The Dutch television series Hollands Hoop aired its final season on February 9. Comparing the series with hip-hop from the popular Dutch music collective ‘Boerenjongens’, we see how both rap and series depict the rural ‘underdogs’ of the Netherlands, hustling their way through the countryside. Aafje de Roest • February 27, 2020
LUCAS Explains #2: What would happen to Brexit negotiations if the EU put the Roman emperor Trajan in charge? On January 31st, the United Kingdom formally left the European Union. Negotiations were, and continue to be, long and difficult. Could things have turned out differently? Renske Janssen explains how a Roman emperor might have approached the situation. Renske Janssen • February 25, 2020
A medieval multicultural court How were Sicily's various artistic traditions preserved by Roger II's tolerant cultural policy? Elvira Tamus • February 20, 2020
LUCAS Explains #1: Where would you bring your Tinder date on 3 May 1646? On 14 February, it will be Valentine's Day! When choosing what to do, you might decide to bring your Tinder date to the movies. But were would people have brought their date in the 17th century? Tim Vergeer explains that this would have been a Spanish play. Tim Vergeer • February 11, 2020 • 1 comment
The Cat in Medieval Western Europe How come cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt and reviled in medieval times? It seems that the spread of Christianity is to be blamed. Fortunately for the cat, the feline folklore is still going strong. Johanna Feenstra • February 06, 2020
