Art and design

In the 11th-Century masterpiece's tale of a contested throne, virility is equated to power – and the largest and proudest appendage. It tells a story that feels familiar today.

Imaginative architects have long used colour to elevate their work. From a dazzling ancient temple to a vibrant library, here are eight buildings where colour is integral.

At north London's Trent Park during World War Two, high-ranking Nazi POWs relaxed and chatted in the elegant upstairs rooms – while downstairs, "secret listeners" were eavesdropping.

As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, the BBC rounds up some of the most stunning photos captured from the tournament – and reveals their similarities to classic works of art.

In the wake of legendary British artist David Hockney's death, aged 88, his famous meditation on presence and absence, A Bigger Splash, takes on a new meaning.

An expert's guide to the some of the most eye-catching photographs of the year – and how they echo masterpieces from art history.

On the 100th anniversary of her birth, images from the Hollywood icon's final photoshoot reveal a carefree joyfulness that's far removed from the shocking tragedy of her death.