Alexandra Kiely
Alexandra is an independent art historian from the greater New York City area. Although she wrote her honors thesis on the life and work of early-20th century art theorist Roger Fry, her primary interests are currently medieval European art and architecture and 19th-century American art. On her website, ascholarlyskater.com, she teaches people from all backgrounds to be confident art viewers and museum visitors. She also enjoys figure skating, dancing, reading, and crafts.
Articles by Alexandra Kiely
Gustav Stickley: The Man Behind the Arts & Crafts Movement in AmericaThe entrepreneur Gustav Stickley was a key practitioner of the Arts and Crafts movement in America. Though best known for simple, high-quality Craftsman furniture, his work went far beyond that.
J.P. Morgan: The Prince of American Art CollectorsGilded Age tycoon J.P. Morgan was one of America’s most prolific art and book collectors, president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and founder of New York’s Morgan Library.
Gilded Age tycoon J.P. Morgan was one of America’s most prolific art and book collectors, president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and founder of New York’s Morgan Library.
Isabella Stewart Gardner: The Art Collector With a Unique VisionWith her bold personality and individual approach to art collecting, Isabella Stewart Gardner is legendary for her Boston museum, which was later the site of a famous art theft.
With her bold personality and individual approach to art collecting, Isabella Stewart Gardner is legendary for her Boston museum, which was later the site of a famous art theft.
5 Key Motifs in the Art of Pierre-Auguste RenoirPierre-Auguste Renoir painted everything from flower arrangements to the human figure. Here are his five main artistic subjects.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted everything from flower arrangements to the human figure. Here are his five main artistic subjects.
The Art of Pierre-Auguste Renoir: When Modernism Meets Old MastersPierre-Auguste Renoir might best be described as Impressionism’s answer to the Old Masters. He mixed modern subject matter and Impressionist brushwork with a more traditional approach to the human form.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir might best be described as Impressionism’s answer to the Old Masters. He mixed modern subject matter and Impressionist brushwork with a more traditional approach to the human form.
Albert Barnes: A World-Class Collector and EducatorAlbert Barnes was a visionary Pennsylvania art collector and educator. He amassed a world-class collection, created his own art theory, and founded a school of art appreciation.
7 Most Important Prehistoric Cave Paintings in the WorldPrehistoric cave paintings are vivid and mysterious windows into the earliest days of humanity. Discover seven of the world's oldest cave paintings.
Prehistoric cave paintings are vivid and mysterious windows into the earliest days of humanity. Discover seven of the world's oldest cave paintings.
The Venus of Willendorf: Origins & MeaningThe Venus of Willendorf is the most famous example of portable prehistoric art from anywhere in the world. Why was it made, and what does it mean?
Gilded Age Art Collector: Who Was Henry Clay Frick?Henry Clay Frick was a wealthy businessman with great taste in art and the money to buy it. His collection and mansion are now known as the Frick Collection.
Henry Clay Frick was a wealthy businessman with great taste in art and the money to buy it. His collection and mansion are now known as the Frick Collection.
Carlo Crivelli: The Clever Artifice of the Early Renaissance PainterFifteenth-century Italian painter Carlo Crivelli stands out for his dazzling combination of Medieval decoration and Renaissance naturalism. His religious paintings are full of illusionistic textures and clever visual tricks.
A Unique Fusion: The Medieval Artwork of Norman SicilyThe medieval artwork of Norman Sicily includes aspects of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Islamic traditions. It reflects the incredible cultural diversity of the island in the 12th century.
The medieval artwork of Norman Sicily includes aspects of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Islamic traditions. It reflects the incredible cultural diversity of the island in the 12th century.
White Gold: Medieval Artworks in Luxurious IvoryIvory carvings are among the most luxurious treasures in the world. Popular in the European, Byzantine, and Islamic worlds, these medieval artworks were both sacred and secular.
Ivory carvings are among the most luxurious treasures in the world. Popular in the European, Byzantine, and Islamic worlds, these medieval artworks were both sacred and secular.