On Christmas Day in 1908, a child born in London's drab suburbs was given the incredibly ordinary Christian name of Dennis Pratt. But this child knew right away that the ordinary was not for him. In due time Pratt would give himself a new name, one that befit his true persona: Quentin Crisp. Cr

Bright, Charming, Ebullient, Feminine, Queer, Solo performance, Witty

In 1931 the audience rose in tribute as Saint Sa'ns' music from "The Dying Swan" played to an empty stage. Anna Pavlova had just died of pleurisy. On her deathbed, she issued one last request: "Bring my swan costume." By the end of her illustrious career, the swan had become her emblem. One stunning

Charming, Ecstatic, Feminine, Glamour, Grand, Opulent, The early russians

Donatello brought the sculpted body back to life after its long Medieval slumber. Whereas earlier sculptors, prompted by Christian prudery, had drained the body of its vigor, cloaked its nakedness, and stripped it of individuality, Donatello revealed the body as a singular organic unity. He observed

Charming, Eclectic, Epic, Pioneering, Pre-modern sculpture, Renaissance art, Tranquil

Modernity meant the abandonment of myth, symbolism, and classical ideals in favor of science, the natural, and "real life;" these changes are well represented in the paintings of Camille Pissaro. Pissarro developed his style by exploring the roads, countryside, and urban landscapes of France. He woul

Charming, Impressionism, Organic, Pastoral, Rhythmic, Tranquil