Art of History

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: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_fact Instagram: @artofhistorypodcast TikTok: @artofhistorypod // @matta_of_fact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Podcast Tour 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 Podcasts Subscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @artofhistorypodcast TikTok: @artofhistorypod | @matta_of_fact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the tragic demise of Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554) serving as inspiration for countless works of art, it was hard to select just one to focus our attention on. But I did it, and in this episode, we dive into the short life of England’s Nine Days Queen. Today's Image: Paul Delaroche, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey (1833). Oil on Canvas. National Gallery, London. ______ Join me in traveling this year! Scotland Trip | Germany + Austria Trip ______ New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch! Subscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator. Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_fact Instagram: @artofhistorypodcast TikTok: @artofhistorypod | @matta_of_fact Listen to me on Lady Audaci-TEA: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With author Jennifer Higgie

At age 42, a nun named Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) decided to heed the command—which she believed came from God—to write down that which she saw and heard. It just so happened that what she saw and heard were visions from Heaven, containing extraordinary sights and sounds that would capture the attention of Popes and Emperors alike for centuries to come. Today's artwork: Hildegard von Bingen, Self-Portrait frontispiece from Scivias (1142-1152). Ink on parchment. Wiesbaden State Library. ______ New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch! Listen to me on Lady Audaci-TEA: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Subscribe to my newsletter, The Fascinator. Email: [email protected] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_fact Instagram: @artofhistorypodcast TikTok: @artofhistorypod | @matta_of_fact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices