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Many paintings during the renaissance period were commissioned by royalty. This one, painted by Botticelli, depicts the Medici family as religious figures. This could reflect how royalty believed themselves to be divinely chosen and of course, further assert their power. -
In this thesis, Pico claims that humans have the capacity to change who they are. This was a bold mentality in an era where many people, especially women and the poor, where forced into specific roles. -
Hamlet features a prince of the same name who must kill his uncle, after discovering that he killed his father and married his mother. Through his madness, he accidentally kills someone else’s father and is challenged to a fatal duel. The events of the story show how choosing to go down a path of revenge can lead to your own downfall. -
A middle-class woman and a wealthy man must put aside their personal biases in order for their relationship to blossom. -
The main character Jean is thrown in prison for stealing bread, and faces prejudice upon his release. The story sheds light on society's treatment of the poor and how your past affects your present. -
This Realist painting highlighted the brutal working conditions experienced by the lower-class in 19th-century Russia, which Repin witnessed firsthand. -
The main character Jeanne is put on trial by the church for claiming that she had spoken with God. Rather than changing her story amidst harassment from others, she stands her ground, ultimately meeting her grim demise. The movie demonstrates what it takes to stick with what you believe in. -
This painting shows Frida Kahlo's feelings about moving to America. Her paintings took inspiration from the surrealist movement as well as her Mexican roots. -
The novel centers around on Antoine Roquentin, who experiences dread upon pondering about humanity's existence and its purpose. This story recontextualizes what it means to be alive. -
The movie stars a news reporter who attempts to decipher the meaning behind the last word of successful entrepreneur Charles Kane, “Rosebud”. The word is revealed at the end of the movie to be the name of a sled he used during his childhood, suggesting that he yearned for simpler times. It’s a shrill reminder that money and power can’t get you true happiness. -
The play follows the struggles of a black family to live out their dreams in the late 20th century, when races weren’t treated equally. -
An alien starts a business on Earth to bring water back to his home planet, but is driven into an alcohol addiction due to his feelings of isolation on the new planet. The novel is cautionary tale that anyone can succumb to poor habits regardless of their intentions. -
The apartment's architect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, was a major environmentalist. The building incorporated uneven shapes and is covered in greenery. He didn't take payment for the design, saying it was worth it to prevent something ugly from being built in its place. -
The Lotus Temple’s shape makes it a marvel in construction, but it’s also a powerful symbol of Indian religions, signifying purity and creation. The Temple is also accepting of all races and religious backgrounds. -
Keith Haring was notable for being a member of the LGBT community. He used his colorful works to advocate against drugs and the importance of safe sex to prevent to spread of disease.