“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 last three decades begin in Japan and lead to an Austrian – and shady business ... Show More
Sep 2024
Ludwig II: The Only Real King of the 19th Century
Outside of Germany, King Ludwig II is relatively unknown. And, yet, he is one of history’s most tragic and romantic kings. He was a gay icon and a ruler who eschewed public appearances for turn inward into a fantasy realm of his own making. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac ... Show More
47m 39s
Apr 2024
Why Adriano Pedrosa Sees His Venice Biennale As 'Paying a Debt'
Next week, the art world will descend into the Venetian Lagoon for the Venice Biennale, the most highly anticipated art event of this year. The Brazilian curator Adriano Pedrosa is at the helm of the prestigious group exhibition, which is now in its 60th edition, and his show inc ... Show More
45m 24s
Jul 2024
Hahn v Duveen | The Case of the American Leonardo (encore)
An artist’s skillful application of paint will make an artwork good, but a good story makes that artwork great. In 2010, a painting went on auction at Sotheby’s and sold for $1.5 million and I would argue that price is not because of the image, or the artist, but rather the story ... Show More
14m 36s
Aug 2024
The Man Who Stole the Mona Lisa (Replay)
August 21, 1911. On a Monday morning, a department store employee on a Paris street sees a man hurrying by. He carries a white-wrapped package and, as the employee watches, he throws something small and shiny over his shoulder...it’s a doorknob. Then the man disappears into the s ... Show More
35m 30s
Aug 2024
Rene Magritte | The Son of Man (encore)
Rene Magritte's painting, Son of Man, is among the most famous images of the Surrealist Movement. It is one of the few artworks that transcends the museum and has become a part of pop culture. Actually, technically it isn’t even in the museums. Son of Man is privately owned and r ... Show More
9m 54s