Who Arted: Weekly Art History for All Ages

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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices