Become an instant expert on…five paintings by Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer is one of the greatest artists in history – and one of the most mysterious. The sell-out exhibition in his name at the Rijksmuseum closes soon. If you missed the chance to visit, our expert, Jane E Choy-Thurlow, reveals more of his story, told through luminous artworks from the show

Become an instant expert on…the nation’s cathedral treasures

With eyes soon on Westminster Abbey for the May coronation of King Charles III, we’re reminded once more of the remarkable architecture and history of our key ecclesiastical sites. But what about the treasures they hold? Our expert, Janet Gough, reveals the stories behind five very special artefacts held in cathedrals across England and Wales.

Become an Instant Expert on…winter paintings

Snow laden branches; a frozen lake in twilight; gleeful skaters on the ice… winter paintings are one of the joys of art history. They are also one of the most challenging genres to represent – with snow being difficult to capture convincingly. Our expert, Stella Grace Lyons, examines how artists have captured our frostiest season

Become an Instant Expert on Cezanne

Paul Cezanne – the father of modern art – is the focus of Tate Modern’s major autumn exhibition. Our expert, artist and art historian Michael Howard, explores Cezanne’s story, revealing how he achieved the results he did, and the ways other artists perceived him

How to become an instant expert on... Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh behind the tomb

This year marks a milestone in the history of Egyptology: the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. The world was agog for its discovery and treasures, but the young king himself remains an enigma. Our expert, Lucia Gahlin, examines his story

Become an Instant Expert on… The Japanese Garden, East and West

Tensions between opposites and no feng shui – these are what you’ll find in true Japanese gardens, says our expert Amanda Herries. Read on and discover all you need to know about their design and history – and how space must be a positive force

Become an instant expert on the temples of Angkor

This year marks 30 years since Angkor in Cambodia became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our expert, Denise Heywood, takes us on a tour of its extraordinary temples, which collectively make up one of the wonders of the world

Become an instant expert on colour theory in early modern art

How did artists such as Signac, Seurat and Monet harness colour so powerfully? By studying expert theories on its use, says Caroline Levisse. Here are the things to know about those theories, from how colours ‘behave’ to the ‘friendship’ of certain hues

Become an instant expert on reading the past through the medium of jewellery

Portable, practical, timeless and durable: the importance of the role of jewellery in tracking the progress of civilisation cannot be overestimated, says our expert John Benjamin. Mirroring changes in social and economic custom and behaviour, its sheer indestructibility has meant that, whether a simple gold ring or opulent tiara, jewellery has long acted as a lightning conductor to the past

BECOME AN INSTANT EXPERT ON RAPHAEL

His life was short but prolific – and such were his artistic skills that Picasso once said, ‘Leonardo da Vinci promises us heaven, Raphael gives it to us.’ Now, as the National Gallery has opened its long-awaited show of his works, Siân Walters reveals the things we should know about Raphael’s life and art

Instant Expert