Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, April 26, 2022)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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ostentatious
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| Article of the Day | |
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 What a Relief!In sculpture, the term "relief" refers to any work in which the figures project from a flat background. In alto-relievo, or high relief, the protrusion is great. Basso-relievo, or bas-relief, protrudes only slightly. Mezzo-relievo is intermediate between the two. Ancient Egyptian and Etruscan art also features cavo-relievo, literally "hollow relief," in which the design is incised deeper than the background. What commonplace item found in many of our pockets features bas-relief? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Syria Ends Occupation of Lebanon (2005)In 1976, with his country embroiled in a deadly civil war, the Lebanese president turned to Syria for assistance. At his request, Syrian forces entered Lebanon. Despite their 29-year presence, the Syrians were unable to secure lasting stability. By 2005, Syrian influence in Lebanese government had provoked protests, which intensified after the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and Syrian troops finally withdrew in April. When did the two countries re-establish diplomatic relations? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix (1798)Considered the foremost painter of the Romantic movement in France, Delacroix is known for his dramatic interpretations of scenes from mythology, literature, and political, religious, and literary history and for his sensuous use of color. His most influential work is 1830's revolution-themed Liberty Leading the People, which likely inspired the design of the Statue of Liberty. During a trip to Morocco, he painted many scenes of North African life. Why did he struggle to find subjects? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 In quarreling about the shadow we often lose the substance.Aesop (620 BC-560 BC) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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(there's) no comparison— This person or thing is clearly and inarguably better than any other. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 John Audubon Day (2024)John James Audubon (1785-1851) was America's foremost ornithological illustrator. After his death in 1851, Audubon's wife Lucy returned to teaching to support herself. One of her students, George Bird Grinnell, in 1886 organized the Audubon Society for the study and protection of birds. Today there are many branches of this organization, known as the National Audubon Society, and its members honor Audubon on his birthday, April 26. In some states, Audubon Day and Arbor Day are celebrated together by planting trees in bird sanctuaries. More... | |