Articles written by W. Hommel

The defining characteristics of Amarna art include: distorted facial features, elongated eyes, large ears and lips, a protruding chin, and highly defined cheekbones.

Apr 30, 2007 - W. Hommel

"Kundalini" was a popular concept with Hermetic philosophers. It is favored in the West today for its mediation qualities.

Apr 28, 2007 - W. Hommel

The Greek Gods Apollo and Athena embody several imortant aspects of Greek Society: Warfare, Justice, Chastity and Wisdom.

Apr 28, 2007 - W. Hommel

Who was the Egyptian Goddess Nut, and why were depictions of her unique in Egyptian art? Why was her image used on coffin sarcophagi?

Apr 27, 2007 - W. Hommel

In the Preclassic era, obsidian was used for creating ear spools, tools and jewerly. Earspools therefore, became a popular motif on Aztec and Toltec figurines.

Apr 27, 2007 - W. Hommel

Lysippos was the only artist authorized to make Alexander's image. He wanted to convey Alexander's arete (virtue) and ethos (personal character).

Apr 25, 2007 - W. Hommel

Explore architecture from Hadrian's Villa: How did Hadrian's taste in design differ from previous architects? What were Hadrian's "Pumpkins?"

Apr 24, 2007 - W. Hommel

Nero might have been crazy, but architecture produced under his reign exposes a different side to this mad emperor.

Apr 23, 2007 - W. Hommel

What kinds of artifacts were unearthed from the graves of Mycenae? What was their importance? Is "The Death Mask of Agamemnon" real or a hoax?

Apr 22, 2007 - W. Hommel

What are Mycenaean votive figurines? Learn how to identify the three types (Phi, Psi and Tau) and their origin.

Apr 21, 2007 - W. Hommel

What is a monastery? Why were they responsible for preserving numerous artifacts?

Apr 20, 2007 - W. Hommel

Who is the "Berlin Painter," and why is his work important? Explore the history of Red-Figure vase painting in Late Archaic Greece.

Apr 19, 2007 - W. Hommel

How did Medieval artisans create Illuminated Manuscripts? What was their purpose in society?

Apr 17, 2007 - W. Hommel

What is the origin and meaning of this ancient symbol? Does the Taoist concept of Yin/Yang differ from the Buddhist concept?

Apr 16, 2007 - W. Hommel

Images of death and the macabre produced during the Medieval era were highly influenced by the Black Plague that spread across Europe during the mid-14th century.

Apr 16, 2007 - W. Hommel

How were angels depicted in early Christian art? Why were they used on icons from Byzantine Egypt?

Apr 15, 2007 - W. Hommel

Who is Lao Tzu, and what were some of his teachings? Did he really exist? Explore the history behind one of Taoism's most important figures.

Apr 14, 2007 - W. Hommel

Why is ancestor worship important for Taoists? What is The Festival of the Spirits of the Dead?

Apr 13, 2007 - W. Hommel

Understanding Buddhism and Shinto is important for Taoists, because many people across Asia practice Shinto, Taoism and Buddhism side by side.

Apr 13, 2007 - W. Hommel

When did Taoism become popular in Chinese society? How did this religion expand in the Han Dynasty?

Apr 10, 2007 - W. Hommel

"Jacob's Ladder" is a biblical concept, but for Hermetic philosophers it was also symbolic of man's transformation, and his connection to the universe.

Mar 30, 2007 - W. Hommel

Snakes, serpents and dragons were a popular theme in alchemical texts and picture books. What is their importance, and how did this tradition begin?

Mar 26, 2007 - W. Hommel

What is the concept of Sol and Luna in Hermetic Philosophy? Explore the origins of this fascinating belief through illustrated manuscripts and alchemical texts.

Mar 25, 2007 - W. Hommel