Suzanne Pearson is a freelance researcher specializing in the histories of art and, in particular, the seemingly polar fields of street art and the Renaissance in the Netherlandish region and in Italy. She is currently extending her field of study to include the UNESCO bid for the Enclos Paroissiaux of Finistère, a series of sites of architectural and religious importance close to where she lives.
Areas of Expertise
What Is the Symbolism of Lapis Lazuli in Art and Culture?
Lapis lazuli has appeared worldwide in art and cultural imagery for millennia, often highlighting the most reverent people and places with its profound blue.
The Art of Remembering Death (Memento Mori) and Life (Memento Vivere)
Often portrayed as an explicit reminder of our mortality, memento mori and its counterpart, memento vivere, have a long history rooted in philosophy and art.
Everything You Need to Know About Orthodox Icons & Their Symbolism
Rooted in Byzantine art, Orthodox iconography flourished in numerous regions of the eastern Mediterranean and into Russia over the centuries.
How the Triptych Transformed From Sacred Icon to Artistic Weapon
A triptych is an artwork comprising three panels joined, traditionally, by hinges. In the medieval period, triptychs were religious objects.
What Is a Diptych? Definition & Examples
The portable art of the diptych was first used during the Byzantine era. Its popularity grew throughout the medieval period and the Renaissance.
The Journey of Lapis Lazuli, Art’s Most Prized Pigment
What is Lapis Lazuli? What are its origins? How has it persisted throughout the history of art?
How Ultramarine Defined the Sistine Chapel’s Beauty
The frescoes of the Sistine Chapel are some of the world’s most celebrated, but how did the costliest pigment on earth contribute to their beauty?
The Meaning & Controversy of Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment”
In 1534, Pope Clement VII commissioned Michelangelo to paint in the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment garnered controversy even before the paint had dried.
Romani People in the Renaissance Era: History & Impact
Who are the Romani people and what did they contribute to life in Europe in the Renaissance era?