Art used to be an Olympic event: Here are some artsy facts that’ll leave you surprised 

Art has been an integral part of human life for thousands of years. From stone-age cave paintings to today’s digital art pieces, it has certainly developed exponentially over time. Some use it as a mode of expression, others for rebellion or protest- it has served its purpose in numerous ways. Hailed to be one of the cornerstones of any culture, it is safe to say that even with all the technological aspects of today, it has consistently retained its importance in society. Here are a few intriguing facts about art that are sure to leave you surprised. 

Art used to have separate events in the Olympics  
We are familiar with the Olympics being the world’s largest and most popular event for sports. But did you know that in the last century, art also had its own events? Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, had a special place in his heart for art. He believed that the mark of a true Olympian is not just determined by being a sportsperson, one also has to be an artist. This philosophy of his was taken forth in the years 1912-1948, when medals were awarded to artists for sporting-inspired masterpieces of music, painting, sculpture, architecture and even literature. 

You can live in Van Gogh’s famous bedroom painting 
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to enter a painting and actually live there? The Art Institute of Chicago has made that possible for lovers of Van Gogh’s paintings, at least to some extent. His famous painting titled, “The Bedroom” was re-created as a part of the Institute’s exhibit, and perfectly captures the famous painting in real life- from the blue walls, single bed and wooden floors with streaks of green. What’s more is that it is also possible to rent the room for only $10 a night through Airbnb. 

The painting of Mona Lisa has its own mailbox 
The Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci is arguably one of the most famous paintings in the entire world. However, not many people know that it actually has its own mailbox in the Louvre Museum of Paris. It is no secret that this portrait has intrigued the world as a consequence of its mysteriousness- especially the woman’s infamous smile. Interestingly enough, many have fallen prey to the woman’s charming eyes and smile and continue to be enamoured. As a result, numerous offerings of flowers, poems and love letters are sent to Mona Lisa for which, the Louvre decided to designate a separate mailbox. 

The world’s oldest-known painting was located in Indonesian caves 
The world’s oldest-known painting was discovered by archaeologists in a cave in Indonesia. Believed to be around 45,000 years old, it is a representational artwork which shows three wild pigs and was painted in deep red ochre shade. It measured 136 by 54 centimetres, and also portrayed the pigs’ upright hair and a pair of horn-like facial warts.