Art & DesignUnlocking the clues hidden in a true-crime masterpieceJacques-Louis David's The Death of Marat is a deceptively simple image of a real-life murder. But a closer look at the iconic painting reveals the political messages contained within.See moreLatest headlinesBringing art to everyday spacesThe bamboo buildings that sway in earthquakesRediscovered artist has first public gallery showDutch sand artist leaves mark on UK beach'Unique' building officially listedFeaturesWhy the Dutch embrace floating homesFaced with worsening floods and a shortage of housing, the Netherlands is seeing growing interest in floating homes.The troubling meaning of this iconic Man Ray imageArtist Man Ray's 1924 picture Le Violon d'Ingres, of a woman's body transformed into a violin, has continued to fascinate, confuse and upset viewers more than 100 years on.Why art robberies exploded in the 20th CenturyAcclaimed new film The Mastermind, starring Josh O'Connor, tells the story of an art heist gone wrong. It's inspired by a wave of similar thefts at a time when society was in upheaval.Italy's sacred 'fairy houses' where myth meets historyOn the island of Sardinia, ancient tombs carved into rock are remembered as homes of ancestors - and fairies.Eight of the UK's cosiest thatched cottagesWhere better to hunker down in the autumn than the ultimate snug home? The thatched cottage is romantic, sustainable, has a long, proud tradition – and is now enjoying a revival.The turbulent history of the union jackFor centuries the ultimate emblem of Britishness has meant different things to different people, and now it is back in the news. What does its history tell us?WatchIznik: The Ottoman art that captivated EuropeFind out how the ornate ceramics known as Iznik tiles hold the key to a forgotten golden age of Turkish art.Art & DesignA look inside Michelangelo's 'secret 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 understand the American psyche.Art & DesignHow a mythical symbol is inspiring Turkish artistsThe 'Shahmaran', half-woman and half-snake, is a mythical figure popular in the folklore of Turkey. Art & DesignThe Lebanese artist championing vegan silkArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a modern designer's take on Doha's Museum of Islamic Art's collection.Art & DesignWhat do we mean when we talk about 'Islamic art'?Art critic Alastair Sooke travels to Doha to learn about some of the treasures of the Museum of Islamic Art.Art & DesignThe Doha Hind: The charming 10th-Century garden ornamentArt critic Alastair Sooke learns about a decorative 10th-Century treasure at Doha's Museum of Islamic Art.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 & DesignTaiwan's last cinema poster painterPartially blind, he vows to continue until he can no longer see.ArtOtherworldly scenes of a remote Arctic cityPhotographer Elena Chernyshova explores what it’s like to live in a city 400km north of the Arctic Circle.Art & DesignThe renegade artists of a lawless desert townDeep in the Sonoran Desert, an off-grid community are creating art in 'the last free place in America'.Art & DesignThe beautiful homes made from bambooCould bamboo be the future of sustainable architecture?Art & Design60 years of African-American life in picturesIconic photographer Frank Stewart captured key moments in history: from Fidel Castro the to the stars of jazz.Art & DesignThe naked portrait covered up for centuriesArtemisia Gentileschi: Revealing the true beauty of a censored painting.ArtShould we all live in '15-minute cities'?We explore a different model of city life, where everything is on your doorstep.DesignWhat's behind Mona Lisa's indescribable smile?This video has expired. ArtThe dark history of Comuna 13Comuna 13 is a thriving hub of graffiti artists, music and culture. But it hasn't always been this way.Art & DesignChromophobia: Who stole the colour from classical art?The way we see ancient Greek and Roman sculpture isn't actually the way it was first created.ArtThe world's oldest tattoo parlourThe Razzouk family are tattoo artists whose history of inking Christian pilgrims stretches back over 700 years.ArtInside the stunning 'new Athens' of Central EuropeJože Plečnik transformed the city of Ljubljana into a 'Slovenian Acropolis'.DesignLatest in art and design2 days agoArts and sports hub could 'help regenerate cities'Roots and Rise in Queensgate Shopping Centre will host workshops, exhibitions and sport fixtures.2 days ago2 days agoNew sculpture honours fallen soldiers of WWISam Sherborne's artwork depicts 270 Sheffield soldiers killed in the Battle of the Somme.2 days ago3 days agoWork planned to 'retouch' damaged city artworkWork is planned to repaint sections of a mural that has suffered damage a month after it was unveiled.3 days ago3 days agoSpecial display for treasured unfinished paintingSir Stanley Spencer is synonymous with Cookham, where he was born, lived and set some of his work.3 days ago3 days agoArtists bring fresh colour to city's back lanesNew artwork is on display as part of Newcastle city centre's Forth Lane Urban Gallery.3 days ago3 days agoWorkers honoured in new art exhibitionDavid Lewry says his project Bedford at Work celebrates how "diverse and vibrant" where he lives is.3 days ago4 days agoTwo arrested over theft of jewels at Louvre museum in ParisFour thieves broke into the world's most-visited museum in broad daylight, stealing eight items worth €88m (£76m; $102m).4 days ago4 days agoWeekly round-up: Stories you may have missedA kitten trapped in a police car and a topless swimmer are among stories you may have missed.4 days ago4 days agoLouvre moves jewels to ultra-secure Bank of France vault after heistThey will now be stored in the Bank's most secure vault, behind a seven-tonne door 26m underground.4 days ago...