-
The Murders in the Rue Morgue
Written by Edgar Allen Poe, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is considered to be the first true detective novel. Regarded as the "father" of the modern detective story, Poe paved the way for other iconic mystery writers like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. -
The Tell Tale Heart
Another classic Poe story, the "Tell Tale Heart" is one of the best examples of the "unreliable narrator." The audience is also taken on a journey through the mind of a madman, seeing the world through his perspective. This was still a new idea at the time, providing readers with a point of view that revealed the villain's thoughts and justifications instead of the hero's purpose. -
A Christmas Carol
This novel by Charles Dickens is one of the most iconic stories of the Victorian era. Many of the modern Christmas traditions are due, in part, to Dickens and his story. Practices like gift-giving, caroling, time off on the holidays, and even- inadvertently- Christmas trees, are all associated with this classic story. -
Empress Eugenie with Her Ladies in Waiting
A painting by Franz-Xavier Winterhalter commissioned by the Empress herself and depicting her in a harmonious scene with her ladies-in-waiting outside. -
On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution had a profound impact on the way humanity viewed the world. His book created massive controversy, especially in regards to religion and the development of man. Yet it was also a pivotal turning point in the advancement of scientific research and understanding of the human condition. -
Neuschwanstein Castle
If there was to be only one example of aesthetics, this castle would be it. Considered the most photographed building in Germany, Neuschwanstein was built for pure aesthetic enjoyment. Built outside a time when castles were necessary for protection, this building was actually designed by a theater set artist, not an architect. This is likely why it gives off that "fairy tale" vibe. It was also the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland. -
Westminster Palace
The original building burned down in 1834, and it took over 30 years to rebuild the structure. In 1870, the construction was completed using some of the original structure and depicting a neo-Gothic style. The iconic clocktower commonly known as “Big Ben” was built in 1859 and is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. -
Verdi's Aida
This opera by Verdi is a beautifully orchestrated story of an Ethiopian princess and Egyptian general who fall in love. Their story ends tragically but signifies the immense power of love. This opera was written for the Khedive (or viceroy) of Egypt to celebrate the opening of his Khedivial Opera House in Cairo. -
Bal du Moulin de la Galette
Created by painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, this painting was one of his most celebrated works. It is a wonderful example of the Impressionist period of paintings, -
Swan Lake
Swan Lake is a ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky that blends Russian and German folktales to tell a story of a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The ballet was originally a failure but now is considered to be one of the most popular ballets of all time. -
A Bar at the Folies-Bergere
This painting by Edouard Manet depicts a woman working at the Folies-Bergere in France. Her faraway and detached look reveals her unhappiness and feelings of being trapped in her work. Manet’s use of mirrors is especially significant since it forces audiences to view the world through distorted reflections rather than actual, upfront representations. -
The Kiss
Though not as popular as Auguste Rodin’s sculpture, “The Thinker,” this sculpture was still quite groundbreaking and scandalous in the late 1800’s. Its sensual and carnal nature shocked audiences. The statue itself was a source of controversy well into the 20th century, with many arguing over the appropriate location for the sculpture. -
The Washington Monument
Though the Washington Monument was created as a memorial to President Washington, its design is reminiscent of an even older era. During the late 1800’s, the fascination with Egyptian imagery and symbols became known as “Egyptomania.” This fascination led to the construction of buildings that looked like historical Egyptian structures. The Washington Monument is an example of this, having been modeled after obelisks found outside Egyptian tombs. -
A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte
This is Georges Seurat's most famous work. Seurat uses the Pointillism style in this painting, which is a technique used by applying small dots across a canvas in a deliberate manner so as to create a larger image. -
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was created as the entrance for the World's Fair in 1889. It was not meant to be a permanent fixture and was set to be demolished in 1909. Today, it is the most-visited "paid" monument in the world and is the second most iconic buidling in France, after the Notre Dame Cathedral. -
Starry Night
This painting by Vincent Van Gogh was painted while looking out the window of Van Gogh's room at an asylum in Saint-Remy. It is considered to be one of the most iconic paintings of the 19th Century. -
The Nutcracker Ballet
Even more wildly popular than Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” is the “Nutcracker” ballet. This ballet has become synonymous with many of our Christmas traditions, much like Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The music from the “Nutcracker” is comprised of some of the most recognizable songs in the world. The fact that this story is so highly steeped in the Christmas holiday, many families have included the perfomance to their lists of family traditions. -
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the character Sherlock Holmes, who quickly became a well-known and beloved household name. The death of Holmes had such an effect on Doyle's readers that people wore armbands to honor his passing and sent death threats to Doyle. Holmes remains the most popular fictional detective in history and even generated a new literary archetype for subsequent detective stories. -
The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore was created using a "Chateauesque style" and was meant to be viewed as a retreat, something experienced from pure enjoyment. Even the grounds were designed to accentuate this feeling of peace and relaxation. It stands as one of the few remaining examples of the "Gilded Age," which was a period of rapid economic growth in the United States. -
Heart of Darkness
This novel written by Joseph Conrad deals with issues of Imperialism that quickly came to light at the turn of the century. Conrad uses his main character to depict the idealism and illusion of Imperialism which convinced most of society their actions were justified. Yet as the main character progresses through the story, he recognizes man's cruelty for humankind, and his potential for corruptness. This leads him to be dissuaded by the notion of imperialism altogether.
