People who express themselves through the creative arts such as painting, literature and music do so for a variety of reasons. Some might yearn for fame and fortune. Others aspire simply to eke out a living while doing something enjoyable.

But one motive that unites most people who are artists is the desire that others will see or read or hear their creations - and will express appreciation. Of course commercial success and money are good manifestations and pay the bills. But even more rewarding to the true artist is to hear or read the appreciation of family, friends, critics and eventually the general public.

"The Metamorphosis" ("Die Verwandlung") Written by Franz Kafka in 1915. First major critical acclaim: 1937

Yet while many follow the passion to be a creative artist only a small number cross the threshold and become truly successful. The vast majority of aspirants toil away in their chosen field in comparative anonymity. Their work only experienced by a tiny audience.

If an artist has had only marginal recognition in his/her lifetime, in most cases that is the sum total of the success that will ever come. With death, a shroud descends not just on the deceased, but also on his/her creative works. For without the artist around to create new works and bang the drum - who will champion all the art that was created?

"The Starry Night" Painted by Vincent Van Gogh in 1889. First major critical success: 1941

And yet... And yet... There has always been the phenomenon of a very small number of creative artists who are discovered and championed after their lifetime.

How does that happen?

A critic might re-evaluate the work... Another artist in that sphere might discover unsung treasures and share them with peers... A family member or friend might take up the cause. A long-forgotten work (such as a song) might be unearthed and be incorporated into an advertisement. A book manuscript or a cache of photographs or a trove of paintings is discovered in an attic and found by a later generation to be worthy of praise that was not bestowed in the artist's own time.

"Treemonisha" Composed by Scott Joplin in 1911. First performance and critical acclaim: 1972

Whatever the trigger that causes forgotten artists and neglected works to be revived - it is a genuine cause for celebration on those rare occasions when it happens. A tiny part of the universe self-corrects... An overlooked soul becomes alive again for future generations. And that is certainly something to celebrate...

This website is dedicated to those artists who have been belatedly discovered. Whether by chance or by the tireless endeavors of true believers.

Here are some articles that explore or celebrate the topic of posthumous fame.

• Ten Famous People Who Died Before They Were Household Names
• Fifteen Great Authors That Achieved Posthumous Fame
• Top Ten People Who Became Famous after Death
• Eleven Authors Who Became Famous After They Died
• The Death Effect: The mystery of posthumous fame
• Nick Drake's Post-Posthumous Fame
• Ten Poor Artists Who Got Rich After Death