Art & DesignThe Renaissance woman who was the first female painter of erotic nudesLavinia Fontana is considered the first female professional artist. Were her suggestive nudes a commercial choice, a rebellion against her father – or a clue to her inner life?See moreFeaturesNine images capturing 100 years of LA's most exclusive suburb Bel-AirThe brainchild of a rancher-turned-oilman, it has evolved from a "gentlemen's haven" to a film-star refuge and a high-end, low-profile enclave. Now the neighbourhood is turning 100.The US wastes millions of tonnes of rice each year. Now people are building homes with itA notoriously stubborn agricultural waste product, rice husk is being repurposed as a sturdy and resilient construction material.How the goddess Aphrodite became a controversial symbol of love and sexArtworks depicting the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, have long been branded obscene. How did she become one of the most controversial figures in the history of art?'Rock 'n' roll swagger': 10 images capturing the chaos of '90s Brit cultureIt was the last hurrah of analogue, 20th-Century life in the UK, as the era's chaotic, thrilling energy spilled into music, fashion, art and hedonism.The brand new 'historic' mansions dividing opinionFrom Regency-style to Georgian-look, brand-new English country houses designed to look centuries old are increasingly popular in the UK, US and elsewhere. What is their appeal?'Every museum in the world is stressing': What the rise in art heists means for visitorsA spate of audacious thefts has rocked European museums. Now, some institutions are rethinking what's worth displaying.Watch'I was told I had months to live. Now I've been born again'Tracey Emin, one of Britain's most uncompromising artists, reflects on survival and a renewed urgency to create.ArtThe Turkish masterpieces hidden in plain sight Find out how the ornate ceramics known as Iznik tiles hold the key to a forgotten golden age of Turkish art.Art & DesignInside Michelangelo's 'secret hiding room'The BBC gets access to Michelangelo's 'secret hiding room' under the Medici Chapel in Florence.Art & DesignStriking images capturing the 'dark underbelly of America'Why legendary crime photographer Weegee offers a crucial lens to understanding the American psyche.Art & DesignHow a mythical symbol inspires Turkish artistsThe 'Shahmaran', half-woman and half-snake, is a mythical figure popular in the folklore of Turkey. Art & DesignBlue Quran: A rare 1,000-year-old masterpieceArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a masterpiece of the Islamic world at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art.Art & DesignLatest in Art and Design6 hrs agoHotel ballroom gives artists 'space and voice'The festival has grown out of a series of smaller events held at the hotel over the past four years.6 hrs ago12 hrs agoArtist honoured her surgeon with his portraitRuth Swain tells the story of her breast cancer diagnosis and how she painted Dr Gerald Gui.12 hrs ago1 day agoWork begins on new hotel and bar on site of landmark former venueA new promenade hotel and bar is being built on the site of the former Art Deco Yates building.1 day ago1 day agoMunch print found at estate set for auctionA print by artist Edvard Munch has emerged from a Kent family collection after more than 50 years.1 day ago1 day agoHidden stained-glass masterpieces go on display in GlasgowA new museum recognising the work of artist Alf Webster is set to open in Lansdowne Church next year.1 day ago2 days agoStained glass artist's appeal for 'endangered craft'Nathalie Hildegarde Liege hopes to raise £5,000 by 13 November to help preserve the craft.2 days ago2 days agoFrom fan art to Star Wars: The poster artist behind Marvel and Disney hitsPaul Shipper creates artwork for some of the world's biggest film and TV franchises.2 days ago2 days agoMore than 300 artworks on display at free exhibitThe Open Exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull is now free to visit until 10 January.2 days ago2 days agoTypewriter art exhibition honours literary legendsColchester Library will host 50 pieces of artwork made entirely with typewriters until 3 November.2 days ago5 days agoArt by modern slavery survivors shown across cityThe exhibition organised by Hestia features the work of 26 modern slavery survivors.5 days ago6 days agoHepworth piece could fetch up to £8m at auctionA post-war sculpture inspired by the Cornish landscape is set to go under the hammer.6 days ago6 days agoTeen who discovered painting talent in shed competes for Portrait Artist of the YearMakenzy Beard discovered her talent after she decided to try out her mother's old paint brushes.6 days ago6 days agoFestival to host tribute to influential photographerA temporary free public gallery is set to host a tribute to the late Martin Parr as part of a photography festival.6 days ago7 days agoGiant Moon artwork to light up churchLuke Jerram's Museum of the Moon will be on display free of charge at St Helier Methodist Centre.7 days ago8 days ago'Here's looking at you, kid' - a heartbreak historyA new exhibition in Oxford attempts to chart the history of loves lost through various art mediums.8 days ago...
