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roman mosaic trojan war alternate scene

In the summer of 2020, a British family discovered a Roman mosaic on their farmland in Rutland, England, depicting scenes from the Trojan War. Archaeologists from the University of Leicester later uncovered three panels showing the battle between Achilles and Hector, dating to the 4th century C.E. The mosaic, named the Ketton Mosaic, is the first known depiction of the Trojan War in a British mosaic and was originally part of a Roman villa's dining room floor.

nazi bullet holes marseille madonna

A restoration of the Madonna and Child statue atop Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille has revealed seven bullet holes from Nazi gunfire during World War II. The 37-foot-tall copper and iron statue, known as the Bonne Mère, was shot after the city's liberation in 1944, when German artillery units fired on the church, piercing the bell tower, breaking stained-glass windows, and destroying the ceiling mosaic. The bullet holes were discovered near the end of a five-year restoration that included re-gilding and the installation of a new crown via helicopter.

ancient limestone face carving discovered controversial maya train project excavation

Archaeologists working on the controversial Maya Train project in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula have discovered a 2,000-year-old limestone face carving. The 18-inch-tall sculpture, featuring deep-set eye sockets, a flat nose, and a cleft lip, was found in Sierra Papacal near Mérida during construction of the Mérida-Progreso Railway Bypass. The carving was attached to the foundation of an ovoid building with a west-facing entrance, suggesting it served as a ceremonial marker. Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) is overseeing the excavation of 15 other nearby structures, and the artifact will be transported to a laboratory for conservation.

the oldest blue pigment found in europe identified

Researchers analyzing a stone from the Paleolithic site Mühlheim-Dietesheim in Germany have identified the earliest known use of blue mineral pigment in Europe. The study, published in the journal Antiquity, found traces of azurite on a roughly 13,000-year-old stone artifact, which is thought to have served as a palette for mixing pigments. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that Paleolithic art relied primarily on red and black pigments, as blue minerals like azurite had not been detected in Europe’s Paleolithic art until now.

egypt alexandria artifacts lifted sea

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recovered underwater ruins from a sunken city off the coast of Alexandria on August 21. Divers and cranes retrieved ancient statues, including royal figures and sphinxes from the pre-Roman era, such as a partially preserved sphinx with the cartouche of Ramses II. The site in Abu Qir bay also revealed limestone buildings, residential and commercial structures, a 125-meter dock over 2,000 years old, a merchant ship, stone anchors, and a harbor crane from the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy noted that only specific material meeting strict criteria is brought up, with the rest remaining underwater heritage.

sicily roman villa flip flop mosaic

Archaeologists at the Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily have uncovered a mosaic in the frigidarium (cold bath) of the southern baths featuring a pair of flip-flops and the inscription "Treptona bibas," likely referencing a woman involved in managing the complex. The discovery was made during the University of Bologna's Summer School ArchLABS program, which trains students from 11 countries in modern excavation techniques. The flip-flop motif, known from other Late Roman bath decorations across Spain, Cyprus, Jordan, and Asia Minor, signals the aristocratic and cosmopolitan character of the baths.

polish venus of kolobrzeg

Experts from the Polish Conservator of Monuments have authenticated a Neolithic Venus carving discovered by a Polish farmer in 2022. The Venus of Kołobrzeg, a 6,000-year-old limestone sculpture, is one of the oldest artifacts from an agricultural community in this part of Europe. The figurine, now owned by the Polish Arms Museum in Kołobrzeg, was unveiled after extensive analysis including microscopic residue analysis that found traces of mussel and snail shells. Unlike other prehistoric Venus figures, it lacks distinct facial features but shares the characteristic pronounced breasts and voluptuous hips.

france deepest shipwreck camarat 4

French archaeologists have discovered the wreck of a 16th-century merchant vessel, named Camarat 4, 1.6 miles below the Mediterranean Sea—the deepest shipwreck ever found in French waters. The French Navy first detected the site via sonar during a routine mission off the coast near Saint Tropez, then deployed an underwater drone that captured images of hundreds of ceramic pots. The Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research (DRASSM) confirmed the 98-foot-long ship sank nearly 500 years ago, carrying cargo including polychrome earthenware pitchers and plates traced to Liguria, Italy, along with cannons and iron bars.

san jose wreck found coins

Researchers have confirmed the identity of the Spanish galleon San José, which sank off the coast of Colombia in 1708 carrying billions of dollars in gold, silver, and gems. Using high-resolution photographs and digital models from remotely operated vehicle surveys, they identified hand-struck coins (cobs) minted in Lima in 1707, along with Chinese porcelain and cannon inscriptions, as key evidence. The findings were published in the journal Antiquity on June 10.

viking gold metal detectorist declared treasure

Ronald Clucas, a metal detectorist with 50 years of experience on the Isle of Man, discovered an intricately plaited gold fragment identified as a Viking arm-ring from roughly 1,000 years ago. The artifact, found folded and measuring 1.5 inches, was declared treasure by the Isle of Man Deputy Coroner of Inquests on May 29 and is now displayed at the Manx Museum's Viking gallery. Archaeologist Allison Fox noted cut points indicating the arm-ring was portioned for use as currency, reflecting the Viking dual economy of coins and bullion.

ancient greek marble workshop discovery paros

Archaeologists on the Greek island of Paros have uncovered a Hellenistic marble workshop at the site of Floga in Parikia. The dig, overseen by the Cyclades Archaeological Society and directed by Sofia Detoratou, revealed a large number of unfinished marble statues—mainly of Aphrodite—along with clay heads, molds, seals, and a thick layer of marble dust, indicating organized sculpture production. The site shows evidence of settlement from the late 5th century B.C.E., with the workshop emerging around the end of the 3rd century B.C.E.

ancient buddhist artifacts found in thailand

Workers installing a drainage system beneath Wat Dhammachak Semaram, a Buddhist temple in northeastern Thailand, discovered a cache of ancient relics buried just over a meter deep. The find includes 33 bronze, silver, and gold items such as rings, earrings, and two repoussé plaques—one gold depicting a seated Buddha in the teaching gesture, and one tin showing a standing Buddha with attendants. Archaeologists from Thailand’s fine arts department conducted a second phase of excavation, uncovering the plaques and a soil deposit embedded with metal sheets behind the temple’s famous 40-foot reclining Buddha.

house of helle and phrixus pompeii family death

A new study published in the Pompeii Excavations online journal reveals the final moments of a family during the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius. At the House of Helle and Phrixus in Pompeii, archaeologists found that the family attempted to barricade a bedroom door with a bed to survive the eruption, but perished. The remains of at least four individuals, including a child, were identified, along with a bronze amulet worn by the child and bronze kitchenware in the pantry.

hidden messages paris luxor obelisk

Egyptologist Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, a lecturer at Sorbonne University, discovered hidden cryptographic messages on the Luxor Obelisk in Paris's Place de la Concorde. During the pandemic, he noticed unusual hieroglyphs while walking past the 3,000-year-old monument. After scaffolding was erected for renovations ahead of the 2024 Olympics, he obtained permission to study the obelisk up close, becoming the first person in over a century to climb it. He identified seven crypto-hieroglyphs—encoded messages using puzzles and wordplay—that only a few experts can read. These inscriptions, set to be published in the journal ENiM, reveal that Pharaoh Ramses II used the obelisk as a propaganda tool to assert his divine right to rule, targeting the intellectual elite who approached the Luxor Temple by boat.

Mark Seidenfeld Sets Sail Into 'Uncharted Waters' With New Art Exhibition

Mark Seidenfeld, a Hamptons-based abstract painter, will present a solo exhibition titled "Uncharted Waters" at the newly renovated Corwith Homestead Tractor Barn, part of The Bridgehampton Museum in New York. The show runs from June 4 to June 21, 2026, and features paintings that transition from representational work into fully realized abstraction, exploring themes of depth, gesture, and discovery through layered and revised compositions.

Free Art Exhibits To Visit

A roundup of free public art exhibits in Las Vegas highlights several installations across downtown and the Historic Westside. Featured locations include the Public Employee Art Exhibition at the Chamber Art Gallery inside City Hall, showcasing works from municipal employees; Symphony Park with sculptures like "Pipe Dream" by Tim Bavington and "Stance" by Albert Paley; "Synergy" by Larry Domsky at the AC Hotel by Marriott; Legacy Park, an outdoor history museum; and "Queen of the Arts" at the West Las Vegas Art Center.

Baltimore textile artist Feedy debuts first solo show at Cross Keys

Baltimore textile artist Jamaal "Feedy" Jackson, who works in cybersecurity, debuts his first solo exhibition "Follow Your Joy" at the Monument Sotheby's International Realty gallery in the Village of Cross Keys. Jackson uses a tufting gun and punch needle with acrylic yarn to create handmade rug art that resembles painting. The exhibition runs through December 5, 2025, and is nearly sold out, with pieces priced upwards of $20,000.

alt_ Chicago - A new arts hub for Austin

Alt Space Chicago (alt_ Chicago), an artist-led nonprofit, celebrated the grand opening of its new arts hub in the historic Austin Bank building at 5645 W. Corcoran Pl. on Chicago's West Side. Over 500 people attended the event, which featured an open house, art exhibition, sustainability panel, artist market, and Sunday worship. The space will house mixed-use areas for events, exhibitions, retail, teaching, workshops, and a cafe. The building was purchased with grant money and nonprofit funds. The House Collective, a group of five nonprofits and 10 artists-in-residence, will share resources to offer classes, workshops, and exhibitions, with 10% of its income going back into the community to support elders and single-parent households.

Community Space: Celebrating Local Art with the ‘Metamorphosis’ Exhibit

The Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation has launched its fifth art exhibition, 'Metamorphosis: Evolving Identities,' in the CZI Community Space in downtown Redwood City. The exhibition features 11 local artists from San Mateo County, including four teen artists, showcasing works in painting, wall sculpture, and mixed media that explore themes of transformation, growth, and self-discovery. The launch event on March 21 included panel discussions and artist talks, and the exhibit will remain on display through spring 2026.

At TEFAF New York, Lesser-Known Artists Delight

At TEFAF New York, held at the Park Avenue Armory, the art fair known for its European roots showcased a range of works. Our critic highlights five lesser-known artists who stood out, offering fresh perspectives that cut through the traditional art-world star system.

Order of Canada Artist Tom Wilson Tehohàhake Joins Toronto’s Nicholas Metivier Gallery

The Nicholas Metivier Gallery in Toronto has officially announced the representation of Tom Wilson Tehohàhake, a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and Order of Canada appointee. Wilson’s latest paintings are set to make their debut with the gallery at the upcoming Dallas Art Fair in April 2026. His work is characterized by vibrant, intricate patterns that incorporate elements of Mohawk beadwork and excerpts from his own literary writings.

Celebrate Discovery at FAU’s Annual Art of Science Gallery Opening

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is hosting the opening of its annual Art of Science Gallery exhibition. The event celebrates the intersection of artistic and scientific inquiry, showcasing works that emerge from research and discovery.

Amsterdam Breaks Traditional Tourism Norms by Embedding Cultural Art, Exhibitions and Narratives into Public Spaces and Streets

Amsterdam is tackling overtourism by embedding art, culture, and history directly into its public spaces, streets, and transit systems, transforming the city into an open-air museum. Led by amsterdam&partners, the initiative uses digital screens, art installations, and interactive urban furniture to guide visitors toward hidden cultural gems, encouraging spontaneous engagement with local heritage. Major institutions like the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Eye Filmmuseum, along with smaller venues such as Foam Museum and STRAAT Museum, are part of a network designed to distribute cultural attention more evenly across the city.

Tutankhamun set to debut at delayed Grand Egyptian Museum opening

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will hold its official opening ceremony on November 1, more than 30 years after its initial proposal. The centerpiece of the inauguration is the Tutankhamun Gallery, featuring the famous gold funerary mask under bulletproof glass and a full-scale reproduction of the king's tomb. Designed by German studio Atelier Brückner, the gallery offers two narrative paths: one tracing Tutankhamun's life and reign, the other following Howard Carter's 1922 discovery. The museum, located near the Giza pyramids, has already been partially open to visitors, with conservation labs operating since 2010 and contemporary programming running for two years.

Arlington Museum of Art’s Game of Thrones Exhibit Opens

The Arlington Museum of Art has opened "Game of Thrones™: The Exhibition," an immersive display featuring over 60 original costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes materials from HBO's epic fantasy series. Curated in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and the show's production archives, the exhibit showcases costumes worn by iconic characters such as Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow, alongside design sketches and insights into the craftsmanship of the series' award-winning costume designers and artisans.

Cincinnati Art Museum to open new East Asian inspired exhibit

The Cincinnati Art Museum will open a new exhibition titled "Rediscovered Treasures" this fall, featuring approximately 60 East Asian masterpieces from its own collections, including Japanese armor, Chinese scrolls, Korean lacquer, a Japanese bronze "magic mirror," a Qing dynasty portrait of Lady Nian, and a Meiji period sumo wrestler's embroidered apron. The exhibition runs from September 19, 2025 to January 18, 2026, and is organized into three thematic sections: Rediscovery, New Identities, and Conservation. Admission is free.

Georgia writer Flannery O’Connor was also an artist. Here’s where her paintings were discovered

An exhibition of 70 artworks by legendary writer Flannery O'Connor has opened at Andalusia, the farm outside Milledgeville, Georgia, where she spent her final years. The paintings and pencil drawings—depicting birds, cows, landscapes, and a striking self-portrait—were discovered in a storage unit behind a Cook Out restaurant, where they had been hidden for decades. Curated by Cassie Munnell, the show offers a rare glimpse into O'Connor's visual art practice, revealing another dimension of the author known for her Southern Gothic prose.

Glimpses of the Final Frontier at the American Museum of Natural History

The New York Times reports on a new exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History that offers visitors a look at space exploration and cosmic phenomena. The show features artifacts, models, and immersive displays that highlight humanity's journey into the final frontier, blending scientific discovery with visual spectacle.

How an unsuspecting couple found £11,000 worth of cat paintings in a skip

An unsuspecting couple in their sixties from Pembrokeshire, South Wales, discovered two paintings by 19th-century cat artist Louis Wain in a skip while walking their dog. The works—'Blue Cat Among the Flowers' (estimated at £5,000) and 'Psychedelic Cats' (a double-sided piece valued at £6,000)—were initially considered as a gift for their cat-loving daughter-in-law. The paintings are now being auctioned by Rogers Jones Auctioneers & Co as part of the British and European Fine Art Sale in Cardiff on May 21.

Tucumcari art gallery giving artist a place to show work

A local art gallery in Tucumcari, New Mexico, has dedicated its space to showcasing the work of a regional artist. The initiative focuses on providing a professional platform for local talent to reach the community and visitors alike, emphasizing the gallery's commitment to the area's creative growth.