Art of History

Artist and illustrator J.C. Leyendecker (1874-1951) helped shape modern American visual culture as the mind behind advertising campaigns like the legendary “Arrow Collar Man.” He was also responsible for countless covers for the Saturday Evening Post—one more, in fact, than Norman Rockwell. Modern biographers also hold that Leyendecker was a gay man. Critics are now asking themselves whether his sexuality permeated into some of his most iconic commercial illustrations. Today's Image: J.C. Leyendecker, “Record Time, Cool Summer Comfort,” (advertisement for Kuppenheimer menswear) (c. 1920). Oil on canvas. National Museum of American Illustration, Newport.______This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ARTHISTORY and get on your way to being your best self.______New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch!Subscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator.Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_factInstagram: @artofhistorypodcastTikTok: @artofhistorypod | @matta_of_fact

I'm on vacation, and I hope you'll get some time away soon, too! Our featured podcast today is one that you'll 100% want to listen to on your summer travels: History Daily. Each weekday on History Daily, host Lindsay Graham (not the senator) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history. History Daily is there to tell you the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time.So if you’re stuck in traffic, bored at work—wherever you are, listen to History Daily to remind yourself that something incredible happened to make that day historic. A co-production from award-winning podcasters Airship and Noiser.Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The internet has been ablaze with hot takes on King Charles III's brand-new royal portrait by British artist Jonathan Yeo. Does it depict a strong, capable monarch? Or one who is overshadowed by the chaotic state of his institution and modern world?______New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch!Subscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator.Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_factInstagram: @artofhistorypodcastTikTok: @artofhistorypod | @matta_of_fact

Adélaïde Labille-Guiard (1749–1803) rose from shopkeeper’s daughter to an official portraitist of the French royal court—only to have her achievements reduced to ash by the Revolution. While she defied societal barriers to build a remarkable artistic career, Adélaïde's legacy was long overshadowed by celebrated portraitist and memoirist Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun.Today, we’re joined by Bridget Quinn, author of the first (!!) full biography of the trailblazing artist: Portrait of a Woman: Art, Rivalry, and Revolution in the Life of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard. Quinn offers a fascinating new perspective on the layers of Adélaïde’s life—and her work. We discuss her life, her feminism, her sexuality, and her alleged “feud” with Vigée-Lebrun.Pick up a copy of Portrait of a Woman here.______New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch!Listen to me on Lady Audaci-TEA: Spotify | Apple PodcastsSubscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator.Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_factInstagram: @artofhistorypodcastTikTok: @artofhistorypod | @matta_of_fact

The Chevalier d'Éon (1728–1810) is known as a transgender icon, living the first half of their life as a man, and the second as a woman. Theirs is also a life that is remarkably documented in contemporary artwork. But how much can we conclusively determine about how the Chevalier viewed themselves from their portraits?Today's Image(s): Alexandre-Auguste Robineau, The Fencing-Match between the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Chevalier d'Éon (c. 1787-9). Oil on canvas. Royal Collection Trust.And: Thomas Stewart, Chevalier d'Éon, after Jean-Laurent Mosnier (1792). National Portrait Gallery.______New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch!Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_factInstagram: @artofhistorypodcastTikTok: @artofhistorypod // @matta_of_fact

How did the daughter of an African ruler become goddaughter to Queen Victoria? A young black girl named Aina, later called Sarah Forbes Bonetta (1843–1880), began life in West Africa. But she would grow up to become a popular member of Victorian royal circles.Today's Image: Hannah Uzor, Aina, Sarah Forbes Bonetta Davies (2020). Acrylic & fabric on canvas, 120x80 cm. Osborne House, United Kingdom.Hannah Uzor on the English Heritage PodcastTour Scotland with me! | Tour Germany & Austria with me!______New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch!Listen to me on Lady Audaci-TEA: Spotify | Apple PodcastsSubscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator.Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.comInstagram: @artofhistorypodcastTikTok: @artofhistorypod | @matta_of_fact

Exploring the tragic demise of Lady Jane Grey, we delve into her short life and the significance of her execution. From her upbringing and education to her unexpected queenship and ultimate execution, we discuss the events that shaped her story. We also examine the famous painting 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey' by Paul Delaroche and its portrayal of her final moments.

Jennifer Higgie, author of The Other Side, explores the influence of spiritualism on women artists throughout history. Topics discussed include the empowerment provided by spiritualism, the intersection of spirituality and 19th-century women artists, the disparity in treatment compared to male artists, the life and art of Georgiana Houghton, the reception of women artists, and the personal journey of women artists navigating spirituality through visual arts.

Hildegard von Bingen, a nun with visions from Heaven, shares her extraordinary experiences and writings. Topics include her early life, influences, visions, and papal approval. She strategically positioned herself as a messenger from God. She established her own monastery and her rediscovery aligns with feminism.

It may have been easy for Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763-1814) to scoff at the “extraordinary destiny” once promised to her by a fortune-teller. From the Island of Martinique, where she spent her girlhood, to the shadow of the guillotine, where she became a single mother, Josephine likely never would have predicted her remarkable rise to become “more than a queen”—until, that is, she met one Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821).Today's Image: Sir David Wilkie, Joséphine and the Fortune-teller (1837). Oil on Canvas. National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh.______New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch!Listen to me on Lady Audaci-TEA: Spotify | Apple PodcastsSubscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator.Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_factInstagram: @artofhistorypodcastTikTok: @artofhistorypod | @matta_of_fact