Temple of Bel, Palmyra

The Temple of Bel in Palmyra, Syria, was dedicated to the Semitic god Bel, along with Aglibol and Yarhibol. Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it showcased a blend of Greco-Roman and Eastern architectural styles. A central religious site, it was destroyed by ISIS in August 2015. Its ruins symbolize cultural heritage loss due to conflict. Virtual reconstruction efforts underscore ongoing preservation challenges.

It’s Not Where You Come From, but Where You’re Going

Ramón Calcaño

This oil painting (2018), entitled No importa de dónde vienes, sino hacia dónde vas, presents a vast view of informal housing. Central to the scene is a figure holding books, emerging from the margins. The work highlights resilience and the transformative power of education, emphasizing the pursuit of a better future beyond one's origins.

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

Tintoretto

Tintoretto’s work (1550–53) depicts the biblical moment of temptation in the Garden of Eden. Eve, holding the forbidden fruit, entices Adam, who hesitates, capturing the tension between desire and conscience. The background suggests their impending expulsion, a consequence of their choice. Dramatic lighting highlights the figures, emphasizing their forms and the scene’s gravity.

The Ecstasy of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi

This anonymous oil painting (c. 1650) from the Quito School belongs to a cycle on the life of St Francis but unusually includes St Clare. Both kneel in ecstatic prayer before the Eucharist, while armed figures and turmoil appear in the background. Clare, founder of the Second Franciscan Order, later received attributes such as the monstrance, mitred staff, and lily, highlighting her authority as a model of radical poverty and purity.

Quimbaya-Style Musician and Dancer Figures

These gold figures (300–700) reflect Quimbaya influence from Colombia’s Caribbean coast, yet were found in Costa Rica’s Atlantic region. The hollow musician on the left plays a wind instrument, while the solid dancer on the right wears spiral earrings and an elaborate headdress. Their stylized bodies and facing poses evoke a shared ritual performance, hinting at long-distance cultural exchange.