For Black Friday week 2025 you can use code BF15 at checkout to get 15% off your order at www.betweenforms.com
We are undergoing a rebrand! To allow us to add new products in the future beyond phone cases (and perhaps to have a more intriguing name...) we have changed Classic Art Cases to Between Forms. Please bear with us while we get all links updated, however nothing has changed in terms of ordering, you can still get your Classic Art Phone Cases at https://betweenforms.com
In the early 20th century, as Japan stepped into the modern era while still deeply rooted in tradition, a Kyoto-born artist named Kamisaka Sekka created one of the most exquisite visual meditations on nature: Chō senshu (translated as One Thousand Butterflies). First published in 1904, this slim volume of woodblock prints captures not only the ephemeral beauty of butterflies but also the graceful transition between classical Japanese aesthetics and modern design sensibilities.
Kamisaka Sekka (1866–1942) was one of the last great masters of the Rimpa school of painting—a decorative art tradition that flourished in Japan from the 17th century. But Sekka was no mere traditionalist. After studying in Europe, he returned to Japan with a newfound appreciation for Art Nouveau, absorbing its flowing lines and stylized forms. He began blending these influences with traditional Japanese motifs, helping to modernize and globalize Japanese art.
Chō senshu stands as a striking example of this synthesis. It’s both a celebration of nature and a groundbreaking work of graphic design.
Despite its title, Chō senshu does not literally contain a thousand butterflies. Instead, it offers a poetic suggestion of abundance—a metaphor for the fleeting, delicate nature of beauty. The prints feature butterflies in every conceivable configuration: swarming across the page, isolated in silhouette, abstracted into near-geometric forms, or stylized to the point of pure pattern.
Each image in the book showcases Sekka’s mastery of composition. He plays with symmetry and asymmetry, negative space, and bold contrasts. Some butterflies are vividly detailed, while others are mere outlines, hinting at movement or mood. The background colors shift from earthy browns to twilight blues, golds, and muted reds, enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere.
What makes Chō senshu so timeless is how it bridges natural observation with decorative abstraction. Butterflies, already symbols of transformation and impermanence in Japanese culture, become visual rhythms under Sekka’s hand—fluttering in formation, dissolving into clouds, or hovering like musical notes on a staff.
His approach prefigures modern graphic design, and the influence of Chō senshu can still be felt in everything from textile design to contemporary illustration. Sekka’s butterflies are not just naturalistic renderings; they are design motifs, alive with energy, purpose, and grace.
Today, Chō senshu is celebrated not only as a work of art but also as a landmark in Japanese design history. Original editions are housed in major collections, including the British Museum and the Smithsonian, and high-quality reproductions continue to inspire artists and designers around the world.
Kamisaka Sekka’s work reminds us that beauty can be both traditional and avant-garde, fleeting and eternal. In One Thousand Butterflies, he doesn’t just depict butterflies—he captures the very essence of elegance in motion.
Further Reading & Viewing
Browse Chō senshu via digital collections from major museums like the British Museum or the National Diet Library of Japan.
Learn more about the Rimpa school and Sekka’s influence on Meiji-era design.
You can get one of the images from Kamisaka Sekka’s One Thousand Butterlies on our Butterfly Bliss Phone Case.
When Claude Monet painted Impression, Sunrise (Impression, Soleil Levant) in 1872, he couldn’t have known that this single canvas would spark an entire artistic movement. Small in size but monumental in impact, this painting marked the birth of Impressionism — a style that would redefine the art world and influence generations of painters to come.
Impression, Sunrise captures a hazy morning in the port of Le Havre, Monet’s hometown in northern France. The sun, a glowing orange orb, hovers over the misty harbor as boats gently drift across the water. At first glance, the image seems incomplete — a blur of blues and grays, with quick, visible brushstrokes. But that’s precisely the point.
Instead of meticulously detailing every element, Monet aimed to depict the impression of a moment — the fleeting light, the atmosphere, the emotion. This approach was radical in the 19th century, a clear departure from the polished, academic realism favored by traditional art institutions.
When Impression, Sunrise was exhibited in 1874 at the first independent show by the Société Anonyme des Artistes (a group of artists who would come to be known as the Impressionists), it attracted both praise and ridicule. A critic sarcastically used the term “Impressionism” based on the painting’s title — and the name stuck.
Despite early skepticism, Monet and his peers — including Renoir, Degas, and Pissarro — continued to pursue their vision. They painted en plein air (outdoors), experimented with color and light, and sought to capture the essence of modern life. Impression, Sunrise became a visual manifesto for their movement.
Monet’s technique in this work is deceptively simple. The loose brushwork, absence of strong outlines, and limited color palette all serve to evoke the softness of dawn. The contrast between the muted sea and sky and the vivid orange of the sun creates a striking focal point. His use of reflected light on the water prefigures many of the innovations that would define Impressionism — spontaneity, movement, and emotion.
Today, Impression, Sunrise is housed in the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, and it continues to captivate viewers with its dreamlike beauty. It stands not only as a masterpiece of Monet’s oeuvre but as a symbol of artistic freedom — a reminder that sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a gentle brushstroke.
Have you seen Impression, Sunrise in person or discovered a favorite Monet painting? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Claude Monet, one of the founding figures of the Impressionist movement, changed the way the world sees and interprets art. Born on November 14, 1840, in Paris, France, Monet's innovative use of color, light, and brushwork helped break away from traditional artistic techniques and paved the way for modern art.
Monet was raised in Le Havre, a coastal city in Normandy, where he developed a love for the sea and natural landscapes. His early talent for drawing led him to pursue art seriously, and after meeting artist Eugène Boudin, Monet was introduced to the concept of painting en plein air—a technique that would become central to his work.
In the 1860s and 70s, Monet joined forces with fellow artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and Edgar Degas to form what would later be known as the Impressionist movement. Their goal was to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere rather than adhering to the detailed realism favored by academic painting.
The term “Impressionism” actually came from a critic’s derogatory review of Monet’s 1872 painting Impression, Sunrise (Impression, soleil levant). Ironically, the name stuck and became emblematic of the movement’s embrace of spontaneity and sensory experience.
What set Monet apart was his unique ability to portray the same subject under different conditions—highlighting the impact of changing light and seasons. His famous series paintings, such as Haystacks, Rouen Cathedral, and Water Lilies, showcase this fascination with perception and time. He often painted the same scene multiple times to explore how it transformed throughout the day or year.
In 1883, Monet settled in Giverny, a small village in northern France, where he designed an elaborate garden that would become his artistic sanctuary. The Japanese-style bridge, water lilies, and reflective pond became central themes in his later work. These large-scale canvases, especially those displayed in Paris's Musée de l'Orangerie, offer a meditative, immersive experience that continues to captivate viewers.
Claude Monet died in 1926, but his impact on the art world endures. His rejection of rigid structure in favor of emotional expression opened the door for movements like Abstract Expressionism and even modern digital art. Today, his works are celebrated worldwide, and his garden in Giverny remains a popular pilgrimage site for art lovers.
Claude Monet wasn’t just painting landscapes—he was capturing moments, feelings, and the intangible beauty of the everyday world. His legacy lies not only in the masterpieces he created but also in the revolutionary way he taught us to observe and appreciate light, nature, and time itself.
One of the most iconic drawings in the history of art and science, The Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci perfectly merges artistic skill with scientific inquiry. Created around 1490, this famous sketch represents ideal human body proportions, based on the writings of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius. Today, it stands as a symbol of the Renaissance—a time of rediscovery, balance, and the pursuit of knowledge.
The Vitruvian Man is a pen and ink drawing that depicts a male figure in two superimposed positions with arms and legs apart, inscribed within both a circle and a square. This visual represents da Vinci’s exploration of the correlations between human anatomy and geometry.
Da Vinci was inspired by Vitruvius' treatise "De Architectura", in which the Roman architect described the ideal human proportions. Leonardo took this further, examining how the human body can be a template for understanding the universe itself—a concept known as microcosm and macrocosm.
The square and circle are not just shapes—they are powerful symbols. The square represents the physical world, while the circle symbolizes the spiritual or divine. By fitting the human form into both shapes, Leonardo illustrated the idea that humans are the bridge between earth and heaven, capable of understanding both physical and metaphysical truths.
Moreover, each body part is drawn with incredible precision. Leonardo’s notes alongside the image detail proportions like:
A palm is the width of four fingers
The span of the arms is equal to a person’s height
The length of a man's outspread arms is equal to his height
These insights were groundbreaking at the time and showcased the fusion of art, anatomy, and geometry.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man is often referred to as the embodiment of the Renaissance humanist ideal. During the Renaissance, scholars and artists sought to understand the world through observation, study, and creative expression. The drawing reflects the period’s core values: harmony, proportion, and the pursuit of knowledge.
The Vitruvian Man remains relevant across various disciplines, from architecture and design to medicine and philosophy. It’s frequently used to symbolize the blend of science and art, reminding us that knowledge is interconnected.
For students, scholars, artists, and even tech developers, da Vinci’s drawing continues to inspire a sense of wonder about the human body and its relation to the broader universe.
The original drawing is housed in the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice, Italy.
Due to its fragile state, the drawing is rarely displayed to the public.
The Vitruvian Man is often used in logos, books, and documentaries as a symbol of intellectual balance.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man is more than just a sketch—it's a profound exploration of human proportion, a bridge between art and science, and a timeless symbol of harmony. Whether you are an art lover, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, the Vitruvian Man continues to offer insight and inspiration even five centuries after it was drawn.
Discover the secrets of the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece. Learn about its history, mysteries, and why it's considered the most famous painting in the world.
The Mona Lisa is arguably the most famous painting in the world, known for her enigmatic smile, mysterious background, and the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, this portrait continues to captivate millions of visitors each year.
In this blog post, we explore the history of the Mona Lisa, its symbolism, and why it has become a global cultural icon.
The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian polymath of the Renaissance era. He began working on the portrait around 1503, and it is believed he continued to refine it for several years, possibly until 1517.
Leonardo's mastery of techniques such as sfumato—a soft blending of colors and tones—is one reason why the painting appears so lifelike and mysterious.
The woman in the painting is widely believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo. Hence, the painting is also known as La Gioconda in Italian or La Joconde in French.
There are several reasons why the Mona Lisa holds such legendary status:
The Smile: Her elusive smile has fascinated art historians and psychologists alike. It seems to change depending on the viewer’s perspective.
The Eyes: The eyes of the Mona Lisa appear to follow you, a technique achieved through Leonardo’s understanding of optics.
Historical Theft: In 1911, the painting was stolen from the Louvre, which made headlines around the world and catapulted it into the public consciousness.
Pop Culture Influence: The Mona Lisa has been referenced and parodied in countless artworks, songs, and films.
The Mona Lisa measures just 30 x 20 inches.
It’s painted on a poplar wood panel, not canvas.
The painting has been on permanent display at the Louvre Museum since the French Revolution.
Leonardo da Vinci never delivered the painting to the commissioner; instead, he took it with him to France.
Modern technology has revealed hidden layers beneath the surface of the Mona Lisa. Through infrared scanning, experts have discovered sketches and adjustments Leonardo made, offering insight into his creative process.
The painting has also undergone preservation efforts to prevent deterioration. It's now displayed in a climate-controlled, bulletproof glass case.
If you’re planning a visit to Paris, seeing the Mona Lisa is a must. It’s displayed in Room 711 (Denon Wing) of the Louvre Museum. Be prepared for crowds, as it’s the most visited artwork in the world.
Over 500 years since it was painted, the Mona Lisa continues to be a symbol of artistic excellence and human curiosity. Whether you view it for its beauty, mystery, or history, it never fails to inspire.
Get our Mona Lisa Phone Case and carry this classic masterpiece with you!
Discover the extraordinary life and legacy of Leonardo da Vinci – a Renaissance genius whose work in art, science, and invention still influences the world today.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was an Italian polymath of the Renaissance era, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to art, science, engineering, anatomy, and architecture. Often referred to as the quintessential "Renaissance man," da Vinci’s brilliance transcended disciplines, making him one of the most influential figures in human history.
Leonardo da Vinci's artwork continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His most famous painting, the Mona Lisa, is one of the most recognized and visited masterpieces in the world. Another iconic work, The Last Supper, is celebrated for its emotional depth and masterful use of perspective.
Da Vinci's innovative techniques, including sfumato (the soft blending of colors and tones), set new standards in the art world and influenced generations of artists.
Key artworks:
Mona Lisa (c. 1503–1506)
The Last Supper (1495–1498)
Vitruvian Man (c. 1490)
Beyond his artistic talents, Leonardo da Vinci was a visionary scientist and engineer. His notebooks, filled with detailed sketches and observations, reveal early concepts of helicopters, tanks, and even robots — centuries ahead of their time.
Da Vinci’s studies in anatomy included dissections of human bodies, producing accurate drawings of muscles, organs, and skeletal structures. His understanding of human biology was far beyond what his contemporaries knew.
Inventions and studies:
Flying machines and gliders
Hydraulic systems and water-lifting devices
Anatomical sketches still referenced in medical education
Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy endures not only in museums and galleries but also in modern technology, science, and education. His fusion of artistic intuition and scientific inquiry laid the foundation for modern interdisciplinary studies.
Many consider Leonardo to be the first true scientist due to his empirical observation and documentation of the natural world. Today, he continues to inspire engineers, artists, scientists, and thinkers across the globe.
In today’s fast-paced, specialized world, Leonardo da Vinci remains a timeless example of the power of curiosity, creativity, and a multidisciplinary mindset. Whether you’re an artist, a scientist, or simply someone inspired by the wonders of human potential, Leonardo’s life offers valuable lessons about thinking beyond boundaries.
Leonardo da Vinci was not just a painter or an inventor — he was a pioneer who reshaped our understanding of art, science, and the human spirit. As we continue to explore new frontiers in AI, medicine, and design, da Vinci’s legacy reminds us that true innovation comes from seeing the connections between different fields.
The Pilgrim’s Madonna, also known as Madonna di Loreto, is one of Caravaggio’s most striking and spiritually charged paintings. Completed around 1604–1606, this iconic artwork reflects Caravaggio's radical approach to religious art during the Baroque period. In this post, we’ll explore the history, symbolism, and visual power of this masterpiece — and why it remains one of Caravaggio’s most compelling works.
The painting, officially titled Madonna di Loreto, depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus as two barefoot pilgrims kneel in reverence. It was commissioned for the Cavalletti Chapel in the Church of Sant’Agostino in Rome, where it remains today.
Unlike the idealized images of the Madonna common in Renaissance art, Caravaggio’s Virgin appears earthy and real, standing barefoot in a modest doorway, cradling a chubby, naturalistic Christ child. The pilgrims, with dirty feet and weathered faces, are portrayed with intense realism—an approach that both shocked and moved viewers of the time.
One of the hallmarks of Caravaggio’s style is his use of chiaroscuro—the dramatic contrast of light and shadow—to heighten emotional impact. In Madonna di Loreto, the soft illumination falling on the Virgin and the pilgrims directs the viewer’s attention and creates a sense of sacred intimacy.
Caravaggio’s decision to depict Mary and Jesus in such human, relatable terms was revolutionary. The figures are not elevated above the worshippers—they are accessible, humble, and close. This was in line with the Counter-Reformation’s desire to make religious experience more personal and direct, but Caravaggio took it further than most.
When the painting was unveiled, it caused considerable controversy. Some critics were scandalized by the depiction of Mary as a barefoot woman in a Roman doorway, and by the inclusion of peasant pilgrims who looked too real, too lowly.
Yet others saw it as a powerful embodiment of Christian humility and divine grace. Over time, the painting has come to be recognized as a baroque masterpiece, admired for its daring honesty and profound spiritual message.
The title Madonna di Loreto refers to the Holy House of Loreto, a Catholic shrine said to contain the home where Mary lived. Pilgrims traveled from all over to venerate this sacred site, and Caravaggio's painting captures their devotion and awe at encountering the Madonna herself.
Today, you can view The Pilgrim’s Madonna in its original location:
Cavalletti Chapel, Church of Sant’Agostino, Rome, Italy.
If you're planning an art pilgrimage to Rome, this is an essential stop—both for its spiritual significance and its art historical importance.
Caravaggio’s Madonna di Loreto stands out not only for its technical brilliance but for its emotional depth and theological boldness. It challenges the viewer to find the sacred in the ordinary and poor, a message that remains powerful today.
For lovers of Baroque art, Catholic iconography, or Caravaggio’s dramatic realism, this painting is a must-study. It’s a perfect example of how art can provoke, inspire, and transcend its time.
Check out our CARAVAGGIO COLLECTION and read more about the artist HERE.
Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan on November 16, 1581 is one of the most emotionally intense and historically significant paintings in Russian art. Painted in 1885 by renowned Russian artist Ilya Repin, this dramatic canvas captures a moment of horror, grief, and psychological torment — and has stirred controversy and admiration for well over a century.
The work is based on an episode from Russian history involving Tsar Ivan IV, notoriously known as Ivan the Terrible. According to historical accounts, during a fit of rage, Ivan fatally struck his eldest son and heir, Ivan Ivanovich, in the head. The younger Ivan died days later. The painting depicts the harrowing moment immediately after the blow: Ivan the Terrible holds his dying son, overcome by the realization of what he has done.
While some historians debate the factual accuracy of this event, Repin chose to represent the emotional truth and psychological depth of the story rather than focus on historical certainty.
The painting is oil on canvas, measuring approximately 199.5 x 254 cm (6.5 x 8.3 feet). Repin’s style here is Realism with a powerful expressionistic intensity. The focal point of the composition is the wide-eyed, horrified gaze of Ivan the Terrible. His hands, stained with his son’s blood, cradle the young man’s lifeless body, which lies limp in a pool of crimson. The tension in the father's eyes conveys shock, guilt, and madness, while the son’s face appears resigned and peaceful, a striking contrast.
Repin's use of lighting directs attention to the two figures, enhancing the theatricality and emotional weight of the scene. The background is shrouded in dark, muted tones, emphasizing the isolation and tragedy of the moment.
When it was first exhibited, Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan generated both acclaim and outrage. It was banned for a period by Tsar Alexander III, who deemed the painting too disturbing and offensive to Russian sensibilities. The graphic portrayal of regicide and the suggestion of royal madness challenged the idealized image of the Russian monarchy.
Despite—or perhaps because of—this controversy, the painting remains one of the most iconic works in Russian art. It resides today in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, where it continues to attract viewers from around the world.
In 2018, the painting was vandalized by a man with a metal pole, seriously damaging the canvas. Fortunately, skilled restorers at the Tretyakov Gallery were able to repair it, but the incident reaffirmed the painting’s powerful impact even in modern times.
Ilya Repin's Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan is more than a historical illustration — it's a deep psychological portrait of remorse, violence, and the fragility of power. Through his masterful brushwork and dramatic composition, Repin invites us to reflect on the darker corners of human nature and history.
