The secret history behind a famous 17th-century painting

An Iron Age mystery, clam chowder’s original recipe, and more. [View this email in your browser]( [73ed94ee-f881-4ea1-8e1f-44f98483021c.png]( May 22, 2023 [Art History]( [Who Was Juan de Pareja?]( [When 17th-century Spanish artist Diego Velázquez unveiled his life-sized Portrait of Juan de Pareja, it was to great admiration at how realistically it captured its subject. Pareja himself has turned out to be even more intriguing than his portrait; enslaved by Velázquez for decades, Pareja was also a talented artist in his own right, one whose story complicates what we know about Spain’s Golden Age and the very history of painting.]( [Read More →]( [Unusual Artifacts]( [An Iron Age Mystery]( [The discovery of a ‘skull comb’ hints at how ancient communities may have treated their dead.]( [Read More →]( [Gastro Obscura]( [Original Chowder]( [The earliest-known version of clam chowder had no milk, no potatoes, and perhaps more importantly—no clams.]( [Read More →]( [Literary Origins]( [Dracula’s Irish Roots]( [Forget Vlad the Impaler. A 19th-century cholera outbreak in Sligo may have been Bram Stoker’s chief inspiration.]( [Read More →]( [Atlas Obscura Courses]( [A History of Art Theft]( [Step into the hidden world of art crime, examining four dramatic art heists that changed history. Bonus: all enrolled students automatically get $100 off our Slovenia trip.]( [More Details HEre →]( [Netherlands]( [Mr. Kaor's Portrait]( [Brazil]( [Snake Island]( [California]( [Chinese Historical Society of America]( [Florida]( [Paranormal Antique Shop and Museum]( [Oklahoma]( [Space-Age Artistic Intrigue]( [Italy]( [Michelangelo's Hidden Drawings]( [Sponsored by Travel Texas]( [Discover Texas’ Subterranean Beauty]( [Looking for a new adventure? Why not explore the underground wonders of Texas? With a rich geological history, Texas boasts many fascinating caves, caverns, and sinkholes to explore. Check out our latest itinerary for six exciting ways to see Texas below the surface.]( [Read More →]( [Add a place to the Atlas]( [Subscribe to our other newsletters]( [The definitive guide to the world's hidden wonders.]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Instagram]( [Visit AtlasObscura.com]( · [View in Browser]( · [Unsubscribe]( · [See All Newsletters]( 61 Greenpoint Ave #210, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Copyright © 2023 Atlas Obscura Inc., All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you once requested to be included on the Atlas Obscura Newsletter mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time. Our mailing address is: Atlas Obscura Inc. 61 Greenpoint Ave Suite 210Brooklyn, NY 11222 [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.