Episode 13: Nativities

We were lucky to get Dr. White on the podcast with us to talk about one of the oldest Christmas traditions: putting up the nativity scene!

Nativity at Night by Geertgen Tot Sint Jans

This Northern piece is a good example of an early Renaissance approach to the Nativity. Light becomes a huge focus in this one: the light emanating from the Christ child and the light in the background from the Angel's visit to the shepherds.

Adoration of the Magi by Fabriano

As an International Gothic piece, Fabriano really pulls from both Northern and Southern styles to build this piece. Then, of course, you have the Strozzi family in their illegal clothing, moonlighting as the Wisemen.

Nativity Guido Da Siena

Byzantine artists had to live by certain ideals set by the iconoclast, which prohibited realistic-looking figures because that was believed to be idolatrous. They still incorporate plenty of the typical symbols, including the star, the ox, and even a little bit of a continuing narrative. The patterned angel wings are a great touch too.  

Nativity Brian Kershisnik

 Brian Kershisnik is a local artist who has brought the Nativity into the 21st century with this piece! While he depicts the birth of Christ with some more realistic elements (see the midwives and Mary breastfeeding the newborn Christ), Kershisnik uses his unique style to give a sense of rejoicing among the angels that can be seen in centuries of work before this.

In closing, the Arts & Facts crew wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa,  or just hope that you stay warm this December season!


If you have topics in art history you're just itching to hear more about, leave us a comment or email us at: uvu.artsandfacts@gmail.com.

Episode Twelve: Lost Pieces of Art

As the title of this episode indicates these pieces are...well... not really around anymore. What we do have for you to look at here are either sketches and illustrations of what we believe it may have looked like according to written record, photographed replicas, and even other examples of the artists' work discussed.

Babylonian Gardens

The Babylonian Gardens were not only beautiful, according to legend, but being in modern-day Iraq, would have also been an amazing feat of architecture with its intricate irrigation system.

 The Colossus of Rhodes is another piece that only lives in written record. The image on the left is how it was thought by some historians to have been built, though the image on the right is probably more accurate in terms of the statue being more contained.

Primevera by Botticelli

While the pieces discussed in the podcast were lost and we can't even account for what their subject matter would have been prior to the fire, this is an example of the typical Botticelli mythical scene that would have been viewed by Savonarola as sinful and needing to be destroyed.

Sir Henry Irving

 Mary wasn't very forgiving of this actor who cut up his painting because he wasn't pleased with what he saw.

Stonebreakers by Courbet

This was the one piece that we still have record of thanks to photography! The original was destroyed in transport to safety during WWII.

The image on the left is a piece by Graham Sutherland, a painter who did a portrait of Winston Churchill that was destroyed by Churchill's wife. She didn't like the weakened state it showed him in, so today all we have left are paintings and photographs such as the one on the right, showing Churchill as the leader we remember him as.

What pieces of art do you wish we could have seen?

If you have topics in art history you're just itching to hear more about, leave us a comment or email us at: uvu.artsandfacts@gmail.com.

Episode 011: Artists and their Muses

The Muse has always been attached to the artist in one form or another.

Three Graces

Just before the Renaissance, there were many ancient sculptures that were being discovered and inspiring artists. The Three Graces inspired the use of the female form as a representation to the muse.

Pastoral Symphony by Titian

This is an example of the Three Graces being implemented in painting.

Bathsheba at her Bath by Rembrandt

Although his wife made sure Rembrandt couldn't marry his mistress after her death, he consistently used her within his works of art.

Olympia

Luncheon on the Grass

Street Singer

These are all pieces by Manet, who found himself using Victorine (his "muse") often in his art.

Make sure you catch the Elizabeth Gilbert Ted Talks presentation this episode was inspired by-- in fact, Elizabeth can be said to have been the muse for the podcast brought to you today!

If you have topics in art history you're just itching to hear more about, leave us a comment or email us at: uvu.artsandfacts@gmail.com.

Episode 010: Van Gogh and the Ear Incident

In this episode, Kenna and Marie talk about Van Gogh: the man he was, and the legend we've made him out to be.

Potato Eaters

Potato Eaters is one of Van Gogh's earliest works. He was interested most in the everyday person, but the critics didn't like the images that came during this time. Van Gogh decided after this time to receive more training.

Self Portrait

 Throughout his relatively short career as an artist, Van Gogh painted many self portraits, making himself a subject as much as anything else. This one was done before he lost his ear.

Starry Night

Night Cafe

Starry Night and The Night Cafe are two great examples of Van Gogh's most well known work--the work he created while struggling with his mental stability. Starry Night was actually painted while looking out the window of his room at the asylum where he was being treated.

Sunflowers

Irises

Van Gogh loved to paint en plair or on location and in nature. You can find Irises at the Getty Museum in Los Angles, California. Keep a lookout for our upcoming video about Arts and Facts visit to the Getty this last November!

If you have topics in art history you're just itching to hear more about, leave us a comment or email us at: uvu.artsandfact@gmail.com.

Episode 009: Shakespeare & Art

To all those who have been waiting for the next episode, here you go! A Thanksgiving treat for you! To play the latest, you can hit play to the right of this post or go to iTunes U and look us up under the Utah Valley University page.

In this week's episode, Mary and Julia talk about artists who were inspired by the works of Shakespeare. Who knew you could appreciate art and literature all in one go?

Puck by Thomas Woolner

Hamlet and the Ghost by Henry Fuseli

Hamlet and Ophelia by Rossetti

King Lear by Benjamin Wilson

King Lear by Benjamin West

  Two comparisons you can make of King Lear being painted.Wilon's version was using famous Actor David Garrick in his portrayal. As Mary mentions, this is the "early headshot" method.

Death of Lady Macbeth by Rosetti

Three Witches by Fuseli

Prince Hamlet Killing King Claudius by Moreau

This last piece is an example of the Symbolists portrayal of Shakespeare. This is the last movement to really be inspired by Shakespeare enough to make it their focal point.


If you have topics in art history you're just itching to hear more about, leave us a comment or email us at: uvu.artsandfacts@gmail.com.

Episode 008: What you'll find at the Tate Britain

In this week's podcast, we give you a taste of what you might see if you go to the Tate in London, England.

The building of the Tate Britain as well as the beginnings of the museum's collections were donated by Sir Henry Tate.

Ophelia by Millais

Lady of Shalott by Waterhouse

The above two images come from a group known as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. While short-lived, these images were looking to more medieval works as inspiration.

Annunciation by Rosetti

Daydream  by Rosetti

The Golden Bough by Turner

Haywain by Constable

Nebuchadnezzar by Blake

While most of these pieces come from more permanent exhibits, there are several exhibits that come and go at the Tate, including a 20th Century walk. To experience an online tour, check out the virtual tour with the Google Arts Project. If you happen to be in the area, make sure you don't miss out on the Tate!

Episode 007: The Next Big Thing-- Modern Movements in the 20th Century

We have a treat for everyone! Courtney Davis has come to the podcast (our first *ahem* celebrity). As usual, here are the images you can enjoy seeing as you listen.

Night Cafe Van Gogh: Post Impressionism

The Red Room Matisse: Fauvism

Madmoiselles d'Avignon Picasso: Analytical Cubism

Chair Canning Picasso: Synthetic Cubism

Armored Train Severini: Futurism

The Fountain Duchamp: Dada

L.H.O.O.Q. Duchamp: Dada

Persistence of Memory Dali: Surrealism

Marylin  Warhol: Pop Art

Campbell Soup Can Warhol: Pop Art

Free Ride Tony Smith: Minimalism

Don't forget to check out UVU's International Study Programs. There are Art History and Photography programs going to London, Paris, and Barcelona as well as a study abroad focused on Renaissance and Baroque art in Italy. Start looking now to enhance your education and see the world!



If you have topics in art history you're just itching to hear more about, leave us a comment or email us at: uvu.artsandfacts@gmail.com.