logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2019
32m 37s

III. Genius and Madness

Städel Museum
About this episode
The “Portrait of Dr Gachet” is in storage in a granary in Berlin along with thousands of other confiscated artworks. Here it comes to the attention of one of the leading National Socialists: Hermann Göring wants to turn it into cash abroad. By a circuitous route, the work finds its way into the possession of a Jewish family in Amsterdam who are compelled to ... Show More
Up next
Sep 2019
IV. Gachet’s Farewell
The “Portrait of Dr Gachet” has meanwhile changed owners thirteen times – and now it’s writing art market history. How did it come about: the historical auction where the painting broke all the price records? Johannes travels to Christie’s in London to meet with Christopher Burge ... Show More
37m 20s
Sep 2019
V. Private Matters
“In general when people don’t know where a painting is, they say it’s in a private collection in Switzerland. That’s the standard response.” Where is the “Portrait of Dr Gachet” now? Since the historical auction in 1990, the artwork has never been on view to the public again. Its ... Show More
30m 37s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2020
Hedwig’s Lost Van Gogh
An escape from war-torn Germany. Lavish dinners with Hollywood royalty. A Swedish baron and a dime-store heiress: we explore the long journey of a Van Gogh still life — and what it says about the real value of the things we treasure.Get Revisionist History updates first by signin ... Show More
39m 47s
Aug 2022
Minisode 2: Discovered - An Unknown Self-Portrait of Van Gogh
This half-hour ‘sode discusses the exciting discovery of a previously unknown self-portrait by Van Gogh, which he painted on the back of his painting known as Head of a Peasant Woman in the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland. Come for the knowledge, stay in spite of ... Show More
26 m
Jun 2016
The Lady Vanishes
In the late 19th century, a painting titled The Roll Call, by a virtually unknown artist, took England by storm. But after that brilliant first effort, the artist all but disappeared. Why? And what does The Roll Call tell us about the fate of those first through the door? To lear ... Show More
33m 48s
Mar 2025
Selects: Seven - No, Wait, Five - Mysteries of the Art World
When you get a bunch of artistic types together into a community – aka, the art world – some intrigue and mystery are bound to arise. Listen in to this classic episode as Chuck and Josh cover strangeness around Van Gogh, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Vermeer – plus don’t miss Hilter!S ... Show More
47m 4s
May 2018
"Portrait of a Young Man" - Raphael's Lost Artwork
Many of the world’s most priceless paintings were stolen by the Nazis. Most were either recovered or eventually resurfaced. But Raphael's "Portrait of a Young Man" has never been found. Was it left behind in a cave or cellar for safe keeping? Is it floating on the black market? O ... Show More
54m 57s
Nov 2022
Stealing Superman: Episode Two – Four Empty Frames
<p>One of Nicolas Cage’s rare comics turns up in Connecticut, which seems like a slam dunk for investigators. And we meet a renowned (but reformed!) art thief, who explains the true motive behind its appearance.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/l ... Show More
41m 50s
Jun 2022
SYMHC Classics: Vincent van Gogh
This 2011 episode from prior hosts Sarah and Deblina covers the artist's life and work. It also examines long-held beliefs about Vincent van Gogh and the debates regarding them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
30m 36s
Jan 2025
The Kingdom Behind Glass
Who owns stolen art? Today on the show, the bloody journey of a Benin Bronze from West Africa to the halls of one of England's most elite universities — a tale of imperialism, betrayal, and the making of the modern world.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection an ... Show More
48m 24s