I’m always impressed with myself when I recognize
a famous painting, and actually know who painted it.
If I happen to know the artistic period during which it was painted, I think I’m a genius. I am not one to stand in front of a painting for half an hour, discussing its hidden meaning or symbolism, or to rent detailed audio tours at an exhibition, but I do find it fascinating to learn about artists and their work. For instance, which famous French artist was captivated by the Moroccan landscape, women and architecture? (Answer: Matisse)
When I heard about an app called Art Authority, by Open Door Networks, I knew I wanted to have it. Featuring a comprehensive and well-organized collection of over 70,000 paintings and sculptures by over 1,000 of the western world’s major artists, from ancient times to today, the app includes detailed captions (including title, date, size, location), as well as in-depth information about the works, the periods, and the artists.
Art can be viewed as thumbnails or full-screen, and your favorite images can be saved or shared. One cool feature also shows you the size of each piece relative to the person viewing it, and another, called Art Near Me, helps you find art near your current location.
Art Authority for the iPad or Mac is $9.99 and $4.99 for the iPhone. A kid-friendly version (K through 12) is $7.99 and a marvelous way to get your grandkids (or any curious kids) to start appreciating art. MacWorld Magazine calls this one of the “Best 25 Apps Of All Time.”
Ever since I installed the app on my iPhone, I read up on one artist each night after I get into bed. I am feeling so cultured.
Whether you’re already an art lover, or would love to learn more about the world’s artistic treasures, be sure to download Art Authority (iPhone, iPad) to start your adventure.
And take this quiz to see how much you REALLY know about a handful of famous works.
Scroll down when you’re ready to check your answers!
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The Pilgrim (René Magritte), Surrealism • Still Life with a Curtain (Paul Cézanne), Post-Impressionism • Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (Pablo Picasso), Cubism • Spread (Kenneth Noland), Abstract • I Love You With My Ford (James Rosenquist), Pop Art •
L.H.O.O.Q. (Marcel Duchamp), Dadaism.
0 Responses to “Peek Inside The World’s Tiniest Museum”
peg5 says:
will they be offering an ‘android’ version….
Geri Brin says:
Hi peg5,
Hi Susan,
The app developer told us that they have considered developing a version for Android, and it’s on their do-list, but apparently it’s harder to sell.
Geri
Susan Rose says:
Bummer! No android version.
Geri Brin says:
Hi Susan,
The app developer said that developing a version for Android is on their do-list, but apparently it’s harder to sell.
Geri
punkglamqueen says:
“Grandkids”? Rather presumptuous that women over 50 have grandchildren. I’m 55 and have a 15 year old, no grandchildren. And many of my friends have no children at all. I think a better description would have been to say something to the effect of “great to introduce art to any curious children you know.” Just my opinion as it irks me to no end to make assumptions about our age.
GeriFOF says:
Hi Punkglamqueen,
We absolutely don’t presume that 55- year- old-women have grandchildren. I didn’t have a grandchild till I was 65, two years ago. Sorry if you thought we were presumptuous. Simply wanted to suggest that if you do have grandchildren it would be a great gift.
Thanks for your fine suggestion, however, on how we could have worded it. Best, Geri Brin
punkglamqueen says:
Thank you for your kind reply. Being an “older” mother I suppose I’m more sensitive, as I’ve had to deal with “what a beautiful granddaughter” since my daughter was born 13 days after my 40th. The closest anyone has ever gotten to guess my age now is “late 30s- early 40s” so this always puzzled me. (Not bragging, genetic luck of the draw.) And with so very many friends with no children at all but a great bunch of nieces & nephews it just seemed it could have been worded to be more inclusive. Great app suggestion BTW! Jet
Geri Brin says:
you’re welcome.
i think “older” mothers are cool, although 55 is a baby to me 🙂
Geri
punkglamqueen says:
Aw thanks Geri, that was very sweet! I’ve found older mothers to be more relaxed, at least of my generation. Also we tend to retain our style & personality, whereas I’ve seen so many young mothers sort of wipe out their previous style & personality. Generalisation of course, but maybe that’s why older mothers are “cool”? Ha it could just be that we’re older & stubbornly set in our ways too! Jet
GeriFOF says:
Interesting point about young mothers.
punkglamqueen says:
Uh oh am I going to get you watching now? (; Jet