5 Unbelievable Art Facts
In this blog post, you’ll find 5 unbelievable art facts that will impress your friends and make you the star of your next dinner party. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious about the topic, these interesting and impressive art facts will capture your attention. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some amazing things about the art world!
1. The Colour of Royalty
In ancient times, the dyes used for creating purple hues were extracted from several species of Murex snails. Thousands of snails were needed to produce just one ounce of dye. Therefore, the vibrant purple Tyrian dye was expensive, so only royals and the wealthy could afford it.
On Purpose by Rebecca Koerting.
2. The Popular Parasite
During the colonial period, humans began to harvest red dye from parasitic insects native to Mexico. The Cochineal insects preyed on cacti and excreted a red stain when crushed. The “Cochineal red” shade became a hot commodity and spread worldwide. Even today, cochineal red is a common colourant used in the food and cosmetic industries.
Delicious Solitude by Lucinda Leveille.
3. The Muse
The term “muse” stems from Greek mythology and is used to refer to a person or thing that inspires an artist. It’s believed that Zeus’ nice daughters were the patron goddesses of the arts. Each daughter had a specific area of expertise in which they inspired and guided artists. In art, they are often depicted holding symbols associated with their field.
Muse by Penelope Long.
4. Historic Gender Divide
Throughout art history, women have been underappreciated compared to their male counterparts. A review conducted by the Australian Council for the Arts found that female artists earn 53% of what their male counterparts do, creating a gender pay gap of 47%.
‘Prawn’ Penny Pincher by Emma Young is available to view in Bluethumb’s Adelaide gallery.
5. Has Anyone Seen Lisa?
Did you know someone stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, and Pablo Picasso was the prime suspect? People flocked to the gallery to see the space where Da Vinci’s masterpiece once hung. The Mona Lisa toured Italy for three years until France retrieved her, and an Italian Louvre employee was arrested and sentenced to jail for her abduction.
Lisa by Adam Mennella is a pastiche imitation of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Want to learn more unbelievable art facts? Check out our previous blog post, 5 Facts about Art That Will Impress Your Friends.
