Who Arted: Weekly Art History for All Ages

Constantin Brâncuși was a Romanian sculptor who made a significant impact on modern art through his abstract sculptures. His passion and dedication to art is legendary. In the autumn of 1903, he began a months-long walk from Bucharest to Paris, where he sought to immerse himself in the avant-garde art scene. Brâncuși's work, characterized by simplified forms and a focus on the essence of his subjects, often sparked controversy, as seen with his Bird in Space sculpture, which was challenged by U.S. customs officials who didn't recognize it as art. This led to a landmark court case that ultimately recognized abstract art as a legitimate form. Brâncuși's dedication to his unique artistic vision and his exploration of fundamental forms left a lasting legacy on the world of modern sculpture. Related episodes: ⁠Auguste Rodin⁠ ⁠Amedeo Modigliani⁠ ⁠Henri Matisse⁠ ⁠Marcel Duchamp⁠ The Kiss is one of the 250 artworks required for AP Art History. For those students across the US trying to prep for the test, check out my ⁠AP Art History Cram Session⁠ playlist on Spotify. Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hieronymus Bosch was a 15th-century Dutch painter whose fantastical and often unsettling works continue to captivate viewers today. His most famous painting, "The Garden of Earthly Delights," is a triptych that depicts a complex narrative of creation, temptation, sin, and damnation. Bosch's unique visual vocabulary, drawn from religious iconography, folklore, alchemy, and contemporary social mores, challenged the established norms of religious art and introduced an element of ambiguity into his narratives. Bosch's exploration of human psychology and the darker aspects of human nature contributed to the subversive nature of his art, offering a more nuanced and unsettling view of the human condition. Despite the often disturbing imagery in his paintings, Bosch was a respected member of his community and a devout Catholic. The enduring power of his work lies in its masterful balance between the concrete and the ambiguous, inviting viewers to decipher the complex relationships and narratives within his paintings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ardabil Carpet, a masterpiece of 16th-century Persian weaving, represents a pinnacle of Safavid art. Though associated with Ardabil, scholars suggest it may have been woven in Kashan, a prominent center for carpet production during that era. Commissioned during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I (1501-1736 CE) for the Shrine of Shaykh Safi al-Din Ardabili, this monumental wool pile carpet on a silk foundation measures an impressive 34 feet 6 inches by 17 feet 5 inches and boasts over 25 million knots. The carpet's intricate design features a central medallion surrounded by elaborate floral motifs, scrolling vines, and arabesques, reminiscent of a lush garden, a common theme in Islamic art. Notably, two asymmetrical mosque lamps hang from the central medallion, symbolizing divine knowledge and adding to the carpet's sacred context. Inscriptions include a couplet from the poet Hafiz, emphasizing devotion and humility, fitting for a piece created for a revered shrine. Dated 946 AH (1539-1540 CE), the Ardabil Carpet's precise dating is a rare and valuable historical marker. Its acquisition by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 1893 significantly elevated the recognition of Islamic art in Western collections, and its enduring influence continues to inspire textile art and design globally. The Ardabil Carpet is one of the 250 works required for AP Art History. If you want to learn about more works from that list, check out my AP Art History Cram Session playlist on Spotify. Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Abbott McNeill Whistler was a prominent figure in the Aesthetic Movement focusing on "Art for art's sake." One of Whistler's most renowned works is "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1," widely known as "Whistler's Mother," painted in 1871. This oil on canvas depicts his mother, Anna McNeill Whistler, seated in profile. Despite Whistler's insistence that the painting be appreciated for its formal qualities, its subtle harmonies of grey and black and balanced composition, it has garnered widespread sentimental appeal as a profound depiction of maternal dignity and old age. The painting, initially met with mixed reviews in London, achieved masterpiece status in Paris and was acquired by the French state. Its enduring presence in popular culture, including its use as a symbol of American motherhood during the Great Depression, showcases its unique blend of artistic innovation and emotional resonance, continuing to captivate audiences over a century and a half after its creation. Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Francisco Goya (1746-1828) is one of Spain's most important and complex artists. His career bridged the gap between the Old Masters and the modern era. He found success as a court painter for the Spanish monarchy, creating bright, lively tapestry designs for the royal palaces. However, a devastating illness in 1792 that left him completely deaf marked a profound turning point. His art took on a darker, more critical tone, evident in his series of satirical etchings, Los Caprichos, which targeted the follies of Spanish society. The horrors he witnessed during Napoleon's invasion of Spain (1808-1814) were unflinchingly documented in his print series, The Disasters of War. In his final years in Spain, Goya painted his most enigmatic and disturbing works, the "Black Paintings," directly onto the walls of his country home, creating private, nightmarish visions like Saturn Devouring His Son. The Third of May 1808, painted in 1814, is a monumental and revolutionary depiction of war. Breaking from centuries of tradition that glorified battle, Goya focuses on the brutal, systematized execution of captured Spanish civilians by a faceless French firing squad. The painting's power comes from its raw emotion, its dramatic use of light to illuminate the victims, and its central, Christ-like figure whose gesture of martyrdom has become a universal symbol of protest. As one of the first truly modern paintings, The Third of May 1808 stripped war of its romance and its influence resonates through the history of art, most notably in works by Édouard Manet and Pablo Picasso's famous anti-war mural, Guernica. Related episodes: Édouard Manet Pablo Picasso Auguste Rodin Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is B.A. Shapiro, author of a new historical fiction book, The Lost Masterpiece. Her book focuses on Berthe Morisot and the French Impressionists. In this interview, we dicussed some the things Shapiro learned through her exhaustive research into Morisot and other artists who appear in her book. Images discussed in the episode: Two Sisters on a Couch The Mother and Sister of the Artist Find The Lost Masterpiece at Amazon or wherever you get your books starting July 17. Related podcast episodes: Berthe Morisot Edgar Degas Edouard Manet Claude Monet Mary Cassatt Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I wanted to share an episode of Culture Kids. Culture Kids is a great podcast for kids and families to enjoy learning about the world. It was a privilege to be a guest on their show talking about art and the moon. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to follow Culture Kids wherever you are listening. Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Édouard Manet, born in Paris in 1832, defied his privileged upbringing to pursue art, despite initial family opposition. Studying under Thomas Couture, Manet diverged from academic traditions, favoring scenes of modern Parisian life. His controversial works, such as Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe and Olympia, challenged artistic and social norms by depicting contemporary figures in realistic settings, notably nudes without mythological context, sparking public outrage but inspiring avant-garde artists. Although not an official Impressionist, Manet's innovative style, characterized by bold brushstrokes and stark contrasts, influenced many in the movement. His final major work, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, further exemplifies his fascination with modern life, using complex perspectives and reflections to explore themes of reality, illusion, and the social complexities of urban environments. Manet's art redefined the depiction of modern life, challenging accepted artistic and social standards. He moved beyond historical or allegorical subjects, portraying bustling Parisian streets, cafes, and ordinary people. His bold style laid the groundwork for modern art. Despite facing constant criticism and rejection from official art circles, Manet became a pivotal figure, mentoring and inspiring many later Impressionists. His legacy endures through his significant contribution to the evolution of painting, notably his departure from academic rules and commitment to depicting the nuances of everyday life, culminating in his complex and thought-provoking final masterpiece. Related episodes: Diego Velazquez Claude Monet Berthe Morisot Edgar Degas The Salon des Refuses Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) stands as a titan in the realm of Japanese woodblock prints of the ukiyo-e period. His tranquil landscapes, meticulously detailed cityscapes, and captivating depictions of flora and fauna continue to resonate with viewers centuries after their creation. Hiroshige's life, however, was far from a serene stroll through the picturesque scenes he immortalized. Born into a humble background and navigating a rapidly changing artistic landscape, Hiroshige's artistic journey mirrored the dynamism of his era. Related episodes: ⁠Who ARTed | Katsushika Hokusai⁠ ⁠Art Smart | Ukiyo-e Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberto Giacometti (1901–1966) was a significant 20th-century artist known for his elongated, attenuated sculptures that often embody post-war existential themes. Born in Switzerland, he was influenced by his artist father and later by Renaissance, Egyptian, and African art. He moved to Paris, studied sculpture, and was briefly involved with the Surrealists before breaking away to focus on working from live models. Giacometti's intense artistic process involved obsessive observation and self-criticism, often leading to the destruction and reworking of his pieces. His later work, characterized by signature elongated figures, resonated deeply in the post-war era, reflecting themes of isolation, fragility, and the human condition, and were linked by philosophers like Sartre to Existentialism. Check out my other podcasts  Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices