Masterpiece Minute Podcast
This 60-second art podcast series from The San Diego Museum of Art curators shares the fascinating stories, historical context, and significance behind important works in the SDMA collection.
Drop in monthly for a new episode on the SDMA app or embedded below.
Episode 82: La carreta (The Cart) by Leopoldo Méndez
Delve into the powerful artistry of Leopoldo Méndez, a revolutionary printmaker from Mexico City whose work quietly reshaped Mexican art. In this striking linocut, Méndez captures a family of agrarian laborers journeying through rugged terrain, with the iconic nopal cactus standing as a symbol of resilience and Mexican heritage. Stay tuned as we uncover the deeper meaning behind this artwork, Méndez’s influence on 20th-century art, and the legacy of his Taller de Gráfica Popular.
Listen now:
Episode 81: The chironji nut and date palm, folio from a manuscript of the Baburnama (Memoirs of Babur) by Miskin and Durga
Delve into a stunning illustrated folio from the Baburnama, the memoirs of Emperor Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire in this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast episode. Featuring vibrant landscapes and detailed depictions of the chironji and date palm, this folio page captures Babur’s deep fascination with the natural world. With Persian script elegantly identifying the trees, and vivid birds in flight, there’s much to uncover about this artwork’s journey through history and the Mughal dynasty’s artistic legacy. Tune in to explore the rich details, the artists behind the masterpiece, and Babur’s intellectual curiosity that shaped this timeless work.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 81 – Masterpiece Minute” on Spreaker.View The chironji nut and date palm, folio from a manuscript of the Baburnama (Memoirs of Babur) by Miskin and Durga online.
Episode 80: Light Bulb by Jasper Johns
Discover the fascinating story behind Light Bulb, from its intricate production process to its dual perspective and evolving patina. This piece, part of an edition of 60, was overseen by Gemini founder Kenneth Tyler. These are Johns’ only multiples executed in lead, showcasing his innovative techniques and unique artistic vision. This remarkable work, gifted to the Museum in 1991, was the first of Johns’ art to enter our permanent collection, which now includes 22 of his works. Stay tuned as we dive into the production process behind the artwork!
Listen now:
View Light Bulb by Jasper Johns online.
Episode 79: Dolores by Anton Bruehl
Discover the compelling narrative behind Dolores. An evocative portrait captured by Anton Bruehl during his 1932 Mexico expedition, this striking photograph is currently showcased in our Visible Vaults. Delve into the profound intimacy of Bruehl’s lens as he immortalizes the unwavering gaze of a young Indigenous girl, challenging stereotypes and commemorating Mexican heritage. Stay tuned as we unveil the mysteries surrounding this iconic image, including Bruehl’s departure from studio lighting in favor of natural illumination.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 79 – Masterpiece Minute” on Spreaker.View Dolores by Anton Bruehl online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 79 PDF.
Episode 78: The Primal Wing by Agnes Lawrence Pelton
Escape into the delicate whisper of the morning sky with artist Agnes Pelton, who lived an independent and solitary life in the desert following a tumultuous childhood. Painting, for Pelton, was an integrated part of her multifaceted spiritual practice, which included meditation, prayer and poetry. Hear how her unique background and interests informed her art, including The Primal Wing, shown here.
Listen now:
View The Primal Wing by Agnes Lawrence Pelton online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 78 PDF.
Episode 77: The Ka’ba in Mecca and The Tomb of the Prophet in Medina. Illustrations from a manuscript of the Dala’il al-khayrat (Guide to Good Deeds, a collection of prayers for the Prophet Muhammad)
In celebration of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, today’s episode highlights a beautiful and richly detailed double-page illustration from seventeenth-century India. Explore the abundance of structural details and decorative elements shown in this double-page illustration of Mecca and Medina, two sanctuaries for Muslims around the world. Plus, get to know these sites and how these illustrations would have originally been used in this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 77 – Masterpiece Minute” on Spreaker.View The Ka’ba in Mecca and The Tomb of the Prophet in Medina. Illustrations from a manuscript of the Dala’il al-khayrat (Guide to Good Deeds, a collection of prayers for the Prophet Muhammad) online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 77 PDF.
Episode 76: The Trinity
Explore this work featuring the trinity as separate but identical figures, an icon at one time banned by the Catholic church. Though the artist’s name has been lost to history, the time and place still provide important insight to the work’s origins and significance. Listen to this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast episode for these insights and how this work builds on indigenous Nahua cultural significance.
Listen now:
View The Trinity online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 76 PDF.
Episode 75: Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist by Francisco de Zurbarán
Francisco de Zurbarán, artist to the Spanish elite and royal court, painted Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist later in his career and following personal tragedy, which may be why recent technical analysis shows a change on the final work that is steeped in symbolism. Explore the depths of Zurbarán’s career and Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist in this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 75 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Virgin and Child with the Young Saint John the Baptist by Francisco de Zurbarán online and see the x-ray analysis here.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 75 PDF.
Episode 74: Metropolitan Life Building, New York by Berenice Abbott
Famed photographer Berenice Abbott, renowned for her portraits of avant-garde artists, writers, and other cultural figures, adjusted her focus to capture New York City in the 1930s. Set your sights on this soaring image of a skyscraper, Metropolitan Life Building, New York, shown here and explored in this month’s podcast episode. Tune in to hear about this work and learn about Abbott and her “Changing New York” series of over 300 black-and-white photographs.
Listen now:
View Metropolitan Life Building, New York by Berenice Abbott online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 74 PDF.
Episode 73: Kīlauea Caldera, Sandwich Islands (Hawaiʻi) by Jules Tavernier
A painter, reporter, and onetime soldier, Jules Tavernier moved to Hawaii in 1884 and was immediately captivated by its people, landscapes, mountains, and volcanos. Hear about Tavernier’s fascinating life from Dr. Michael Brown, Curator of European Art at the Museum, and explore the bubbling volcanic vent of the active Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii, known colloquially as the Big Island, in this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 73 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Kīlauea Caldera, Sandwich Islands (Hawaiʻi) by Jules Tavernier online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 73 PDF.
Episode 72: The Seventh Trial: Slaying of the White Div by Hamid Rahmania
Explore an exciting contemporary twist on centuries-old artistic traditions seen in Persian and South Asian illustrated manuscripts. This dynamic color print on paper by artist Hamid Rahmanian depicts a scene from a story told in the Shahnameh, or “Book of Kings”, a great Persian epic replete with tales from pre-Islamic oral tradition about semi-mythical kings, warriors, rivals, heroes, villains, and lovers, written into verse around 1010 by the poet Abu’l Qasim Firdawsi.
Join us as we dive into this image that recounts the last of seven trials performed by Rustam, the celebrated warrior-hero of the Shahnameh, before he can rescue his king from the hands of the White Div, or demon.
Listen now:
View The Seventh Trial: Slaying of the White Div by Hamid Rahmania online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 72 PDF.
Episode 71: High Priestess by Leonora Carrington
Be swept away by the enchanting life of British-born Mexican artist, Leonora Carrington as we take a look at her etching High Priestess.
A true free spirit from an early age, artist Leonora Carrington embraced the freedom and ideas of the Surrealist movement. Seeking refuge from Nazi-occupied France, Carrington eventually settled in Mexico where she remained for the rest of her life. Hear about Carrington’s sweeping journey to Mexico and how she linked Mexican Catholicism with her Irish ancestry to create a highly personal visual world through her art.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 71 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View High Priestess by Leonora Carrington online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 71 PDF.
Episode 70: The White Flower (White Trumpet Flower) by Georgia O’Keeffe
Get an up-close view to the white trumpet flower, one of the many flowers and natural forms that Georgia O’Keeffe closely examined and painted in grand scale. Tune in to this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast to learn how O’Keeffe borrowed photographic principles and achieved her signature clean lines in this and many of her works.
Listen now:
View The White Flower (White Trumpet Flower) by Georgia O’Keeffe online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 70 PDF.
Episode 69: Untitled by Wifredo Lam
Delve into the world of Wifredo Lam, a Cuban-born artist who played a significant role in the development of modern art in the twentieth century. Lam’s boundary-crossing art is characterized by a fusion of African, Caribbean, and European artistic traditions. His untitled painting from 1969, which is a recent acquisition to the Museum’s permanent collection, encapsulates the artist’s peripatetic life and distills signature elements he developed throughout his career. Hear more about Lam’s career, famous friends, and the significance of the symbols shown in this work in this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 69 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Untitled by Wifredo Lam online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 69 PDF.
Episode 68: Catskill Landscape by Robert S. Duncanson
Step into this lush landscape by Robert Duncanson, the grandson of an enslaved person from Virginia, who rose to international fame in the 1850s and 1860s. Inviting the viewer into the scene by including tiny figures in the foreground of a large atmospheric landscape, Duncanson’s approach was informed by his travels and interest in photography, specifically stereographic prints. Hear how Duncanson benefited from the advent of photography, helped establish the Canadian landscape tradition, and what geographic region might actually be shown in the above painting.
Listen now:
View Catskill Landscape by Robert S. Duncanson online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 68 PDF.
Episode 67: Plane Trees II by Ruth Asawa
Created in 1965, Plane Trees II is one of the fifty-four prints Ruth Asawa created with a team of master printers during her residency at the Tamarind Lithography Workshop in Los Angeles. In fluid and brushy black ink on white paper, the work features a series of trees receding into the distance and beyond the edge of the paper. Learn more about the artist and hear how Asawa came to believe that the white expanse of paper, such as shown in Plane Trees II, is just as important as the subject depicted.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 67 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Plane Trees II by Ruth Asawa online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 67 PDF.
Episode 66: Moses’ staff becomes a serpent and devours Pharaoh’s followers
This painting from an Arabic manuscript of the Qisas al-anbiya, or “Tales of the Prophets,” most likely produced in India in the late 16th or early 17th century, depicts the biblical story of the duel between the prophet Moses and the Pharaoh’s sorcerers. Listen in to hear why Moses was later painted over, the significance of the serpent’s presence, and how artists deployed comedy to instill moral lessons to their readers.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 66 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Moses’ staff becomes a serpent and devours Pharaoh’s followers online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 66 PDF.
Episode 65: Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II standing attributed to the Bodleian Painter
Step into an intimate portrait of Sultan Ibrahim ‘Adil Shah II, a 16th century king of the Sultanate of Bijapur, a Muslim dynasty in central India, and gain insights on the ruler portrayed. Hear the significance of this melancholic portrait and the tie between the Sultan, the elephant lurking in the portrait distance, and the poetry produced by Ibrahim ‘Adil Shah II himself.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 65 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II standing attributed to the Bodleian Painter online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 65 PDF.
Episode 64: Untitled by Sam Gilliam
Feel the flow in this brilliant screenprint by Sam Gilliam. Made in 2001 for New York’s Lincoln Center, the work is now on view as part of the reinstallation of Visible Vaults. Tune in to this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast episode to hear more about this work and learn how Gilliam became a leading innovator of the Washington Color School and set himself apart from other American abstract painters.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 64 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Untitled by Sam Gilliam online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 64 PDF.
Episode 63: Wooden Doll by Gabriele Münter
Bold colors, folk art inspiration, and domestic life combine in this work from Gabriele Münter. Get to know this important German Expressionist painter and explore her work in this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 63 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Wooden Doll by Gabriele Münter online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 63 PDF.
Episode 62: Saint Nicholas of Bari by Giovanni Bonsi
Explore the history of Saint Nicholas, how he came to inspire the modern myth of Santa Claus, and how the punchwork of this detailed 14th century panel helped attribute the work to Giovanni Bonsi, a leading innovator in fourteenth-century Florence.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 62 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Saint Nicholas of Bari by Giovanni Bonsi online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 62 PDF.
Episode 61: Untitled 13 (Rubaiyat series) by Pouran Jinchi
Explore the interplay between word and image in this new acquisition by Pouran Jinchi inspired by medieval Persian poet and polymath Omar Khayyam. Listen now to hear more about this contemporary artist’s exploration of classical Persian calligraphy through a deconstruction of Khayyam’s verses into single letters, which then transform into a brilliant composition of form and color.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 61 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Untitled 13 (Rubaiyat series) by Pouran Jinchi online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 61 PDF.
Episode 60: Broadside: To Our Lady of Guadalupe by José Guadalupe Posada
She’s a legend, a symbol, an icon. Get to know the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, understood as a beacon of freedom and national pride in Mexico. The Lady of Guadalupe, as she is also known, is famously depicted here by José Guadalupe Posada, a trailblazing printmaker, cartoonist, and graphic artist active in Mexico from the 1880s to the 1910s.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 60 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Broadside: To Our Lady of Guadalupe by José Guadalupe Posada online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 60 PDF.
Episode 59: Bottle with landscape and flowing river
Take a closer look at the above pear-shaped ceramic bottle created in Iran at the end of the seventeenth century. Hear how this decorative object combines Chinese and Iranian art traditions, exemplifies the innovation of the era, and even shows a semi-hidden figure.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 59 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Bottle with landscape and flowing river online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 59 PDF.
Episode 58: Black Pitcher and the Death’s Head by Pablo Picasso
Examine Black Pitcher and the Death’s Head, a magnificent still life created on the heels of World War II in 1946 by the renowned giant of Modernism, Pablo Picasso. Hear how Picasso’s defiance—of Nazism, of Fascism, of the horrors of war and genocide—can be found in the objects depicted and how this work alludes to one of Picasso’s single-most defiant works of art.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 58 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Black Pitcher and the Death’s Head by Pablo Picasso online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 58 PDF.
Episode 57: Salare by Fernando Casasempere
Take a closer look at the wall-based Salares created by renowned contemporary Chilean sculptor Fernando Casasempere. Made of clay and ink on felt, the Salares pieces hang like arid landscape formations, paying homage to the Atacama Desert of Chile, the driest warm desert on Earth. Hear about the artist’s process and inspiration in this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 57 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Salar by Fernando Casasempere online.
Episode 56: Rescue by Nick Cave
Discover the newest addition to the Museum collection: an assemblage of ceramic birds, beads, metal flowers, and a bull dog from a series called “Rescue” by Chicago-based contemporary artist Nick Cave. Like so many of Cave’s works, Rescue invites several layers of interpretation, often challenging historical associations to heighten a collective awareness of longstanding social injustices. Explore multiple interpretations of the work in this month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 56 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Rescue by Nick Cave online.
Episode 55: King Mihrab of Kabul learns of Rudabeh’s affections for Prince Zal
Step into a tense scene of family conflict from a nineteenth-century page from the Shahnameh, or Book of Kings, the Persian epic by the 11th-century author Abul Qasim Firdawsi (d. 1020). Shown here, Rudabeh is on the floor and at the mercy of her father, King Mihrab, while Rudabeh’s mother, Queen Sindokht (shown above in red), fights to protect her daughter. It is all part of a larger romantic love story between Rudabeh and Zal, a great warrior of Iran, with elaborate political negotiations by both families. Hear how Sindokht’s motherly love, intelligence, and political acumen ultimately carve a path for her daughter’s happiness.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 55 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View King Mihrab of Kabul learns of Rudabeh’s affections for Prince Zal online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 55 PDF.
Episode 54: Girl Reading (Portrait of Julie Manet at Gorey) by Berthe Morisot
Discover Impressionist leading lady Berthe Morisot and meet her daughter, Julie Manet, shown above at age 7 reading. The intimate portrait by Morisot is a fitting introduction to Julie Manet’s art-filled life. Hear how Morisot became a founder of the Impressionist movement and how Julie Manet’s long life was surrounded by art and artists.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 54 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 54 PDF.
Episode 53: A Sudden flight is reported: Umar and Landhaur converse outside Hamza’s tent. Page from a Hamzanama (Adventures of Hamza)
Discover the layers of story and drama detailed in this illustrated manuscript depicting a scene from the epic poem Hamzanama (Adventures of Hamza).
The epic is inspired by popular legends recited by storytellers about the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle, Amir Hamza, who spreads the word of Islam as he travels the world and encounters a wondrous spectrum of characters, from kings and nobility to handmaidens, giants, fairies, and dragons.
The illustrated version of the epic was commissioned by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1562 and was a monumental undertaking, ultimately encompassing 14 volumes with 1,400 paintings by Indian and Iranian artists, less than 150 of which survive today.
Step into this epic tale of cunning foes and loyal friendships to hear the story unfolding on the page, as well as the history behind the making of the monumental manuscript to which this magnificent work belongs.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 53 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View A Sudden flight is reported: Umar and Landhaur converse outside Hamza’s tent online.
Episode 52: Reclining Figure: Arch Leg by Henry Moore
Explore the human form with sculptor Henry Moore. Hear how Moore created his larger-than-life sculptures, including Reclining Figure: Arch Leg in the Museum’s sculpture garden, and used his work to expose the interdependent relationship between figure and landscape.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 52 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Reclining Figure: Arch Leg by Henry Moore online.
Episode 51: The Anchorite by Mariano Fortuny
Explore this dramatic etching by nineteenth-century Spanish artist Mariano Fortuny, the most internationally acclaimed Spanish artist of his day. Hear how the artist achieved the depth and emotion displayed in The Anchorite and what influenced his work in this Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 51 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View The Anchorite by Mariano Fortuny online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 51 PDF.
Episode 50: Susanna and the Elders by Jusepe de Ribera
Step into a tense scene from the Biblical story of Susanna and the Elders, depicted here by Jusepe de Ribera. A recent acquisition, the painting by Ribera explores themes of virtue, faith, and power. Hear how this scene leads to a tense courtroom drama in which virtue ultimately wins over evil.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 50 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Susanna and the Elders by Jusepe de Ribera online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 50 PDF.
Episode 49: Migration by Mohammad Barrangi
Take flight with a new mixed media work that is the Museum’s first acquisition of contemporary art from Iran. Learn about the traditions upon which this large work on canvas was developed and hear how the artist uses his work to explore immigration in a diasporic world.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 49 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Migration by Mohammad Barrangi online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 49 PDF.
Episode 48: Manet Seated, Turned to the Right by Edgar Degas
Manet Seated, Turned to the Right is one of three etched portraits Edgar Degas completed of his friend and artist Édouard Manet. Hear the story behind this copper plate of Manet created by Degas in the 1860s and what work of art, created years later, led to the souring of their friendship.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 48 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Manet Seated by Edgar Degas online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 48 PDF.
Episode 47: Pancharaksha (The Five Protections)
Bask in the beauty of a masterpiece of Himalayan art. This month’s Masterpiece Minute podcast introduces a 12th-century illustrated copy of the Pancharaksha, or Five Protections, a work composed of five hymns addressed to five Buddhist protective goddesses. Each goddess is painted in a different color, with specific gestures, anatomical features, and various objects held in their numerous hands.
Hear the reason for the long-lasting popularity of the Pancharaksha in the Himalayan country of Nepal and what makes this Museum’s copy of the manuscript unique.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 47 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Pancharaksha (The Five Protections) by Sri Ananda Buddhi online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 47 PDF.
Episode 46: Maharaja Gaj Singh of Bikaner by Ammadin
How realistic is this court portrait of the Maharaja of Bikaner, Gaj Singh II? Step into the Rajput court of Bikaner, located in the desert region of Rajasthan located in northwest India, and take a closer look at a masterful painting depicting wealth and status. This Masterpiece Minute podcast episode shares how this and other court portraits from the region use symbols and artistic technique to show the subject’s high social status and wealth. Plus, learn about the context in which this was portrait was originally shared.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 46 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Maharaja Gaj Singh of Bikaner by Ammadin online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 46 PDF.
Episode 45: Standing figure holding object above head
What is being communicated through this wooden figure, carved by a Dogon blacksmith? Hear the layers of meaning associated with this fascinating work and learn about the Dogon peoples, who live primarily in the Bandiagara escarpment of Mali, Africa, in this Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 45 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Standing figure holding object above head online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 45 PDF.
Episode 44: Saint Anthony Reading by Albrecht Dürer
What is Saint Anthony reading in this print? Find out and explore the work and life of Albrecht Dürer, a leading European portraitist and printmaker of the sixteenth century, in this Masterpiece Minute podcast episode. Travel with him from his hometown of Nuremberg in present-day Germany to Venice and throughout Italy. Plus, hear how Dürer fought against the plagiarism of his works.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 44 Albrecht Durer – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Saint Anthony Reading by Albrecht Dürer online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 44 PDF.
Episode 43: Canto I (from Dante’s Inferno) attributed to Baccio (Bartolommeo) Baldini
Commemorate the work of Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy, also known as Dante’s Inferno, on what is the 800th anniversary of his death in 1321. Explore a scene from Dante’s epic poem depicted above in Canto I (from Dante’s Inferno), a print from 1481 attributed to Baccio Baldini. Plus, learn about the mystery surrounding this work and why it is only attributed to Baldini.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 43 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Canto I (from Dante’s Inferno) attributed to Baccio (Bartolommeo) Baldini online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 43 PDF.
Episode 42: The Arrest of Santa Engracia by Bartolomé Bermejo
Who was Santa Engracia, depicted here as part of a larger altarpiece by Bartolomé Bermejo, and what led to her arrest? Also, where are the other three panels of this altarpiece now located? Learn this and more as you get to know Spanish artist Bartolomé Bermejo and explore the life of Santa Engracia in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast about The Arrest of Santa Engracia.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 42 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View The Arrest of Santa Engracia by Bartolomé Bermejo online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 42 PDF.
Episode 41: Food bowls with covers, late 18th–early 19th century China
Explore the delicate details and rich history of this pair of jade covered food bowls of probable Mughal origin that were traded to China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and gifted to the Museum in 1924. Venture to hear a history of jade in the region and how it inspired an emperor.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 41 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Food bowls with covers, China, Qing Dynasty, late 18th–early 19th century online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 41 PDF.
Episode 40: Lajvardina seven-part dish, 13th–14th century Iran
What might have been the use of this seven-compartment dish and how did Chinese designs influence the intricate patterns on display? Explore the many layers of stories present in this unique Lajvardina seven-part dish from 13th–14th century Iran in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast. Journey with this Lajvardina seven-part dish from the Museum’s permanent collection to learn about a distinct decorative technique developed in Mongol Iran, cross-cultural transmissions from China, the Persian new year called Nawruz, and how objects can relay stories about their journeys over space and time.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 40 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Lajvardina seven-part dish, 13th–14th century online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 40 PDF.
Episode 39: Sunday Afternoon by Hughie Lee-Smith
Enjoy a stroll and learn about this 1953 painting, Sunday Afternoon, by Hughie Lee-Smith. Hear what life experiences influenced his work and how he used his art to give both a social commentary of American city life and provide profound psychological insight.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 39 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Sunday Afternoon by Hughie Lee-Smith online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 39 PDF.
Episode 38: El Capitan, Sunrise Winter, Yosemite National Park [from Portfolio VII] by Ansel Adams
Explore breathtaking views of Yosemite National Park with Ansel Adams. Learn about his early life, first camera, and ties to Yosemite National Park, all in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 38 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 38 PDF.
Episode 37: Nun’s Shield by Fray Miguel de Herrera
What is a nun’s shield and why were these miniature works of art created? Journey to 17th and 18th century Mexico and learn the fascinating history of nun’s shields, or badges, as exemplified in Nun’s Shield by Fray Miguel de Herrera, in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 37 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Nun’s Shield by Fray Miguel de Herrera online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 37 PDF.
Episode 36: Christ Child Triumphant by Juan de Mesa y Velasco
Step into the world of Spanish sculpture with the Christ Child Triumphant by Juan de Mesa y Velasco and Workshop. Hear how Christ Child sculptures such as this one were made and then adorned in sumptuous wardrobes, complete with crowns and props, in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 36 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Christ Child Triumpant by Juan de Mesa y Velasco online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 36 PDF.
Episode 35: The Frugal Repast by Pablo Picasso
How did Picasso come to capture this couple and what themes is he exploring? Hear the meaning and provenance of Pablo Picasso’s The Frugal Repast in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast, plus hear what previous work is hiding in the background of this piece.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 35 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View The Frugal Repast by Pablo Picasso online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep.35 PDF.
Episode 34: The Virgin and Child attributed to Basawan or Manohar
How did this traditionally European image of the Virgin Mary nursing the infant Jesus come to 16th century Mughal India? Explore the blend of cultures and styles shown in The Virgin and Child, which was completed in the 1590s for the Mughal emperor Akbar, then mounted onto the gilded page of an album made for his son and successor, Jahangir. Learn the history and significance of this beautiful work of art and folio page in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 34 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View The Virgin and Child attributed to Basawan or Manohar online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 34 PDF.
Episode 33: Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber by Juan Sánchez Cotán
Revisit Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber by Juan Sánchez Cotán for a tour of Spanish cuisine and history in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast. Plus, hear how this painting came to the United States and narrowly avoided tragedy.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 33 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Cotán’s Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 33 PDF.
Episode 32: Mandrágora by Diego Rivera
What is the significance of the symbols included in this portrait? Take a closer look at Mandrágora, a masterpiece of Surrealist art by the celebrated Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast. Hear the story behind the painting.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 32 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Mandrágora by Diego Rivera online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 32 PDF.
Episode 31: Self-portrait, ca. 1628 by Rembrandt
How and why did Rembrandt create this and other self-portraits? Be drawn in by this early self-portrait depicting the artist at around 22 years of age, considered by some to be Rembrandt’s first great self-portrait, and hear how he demonstrated his early mastery and willingness to experiment in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 31 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Self-portrait, ca. 1628 by Rembrandt online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 31 PDF.
Episode 30: Bowl with epigraphic design, 10th century Iran
What is the meaning of the designs on this bowl? Travel to 10th century Iran in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast and discover the hidden message on this slip-painted bowl with calligraphic decoration. Hear how the distinct look of this piece was achieved, what the calligraphy communicates, and how epigraphic wares such as this reflect a cultural revival of the time and region.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 30 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Bowl with epigraphic design, 10th century online.
Read along in Masterpiece Minute Ep. 30 PDF.
Episode 29: Pocahontas by Marisol
Take a fresh look at a classic portrait of Matoaka, popularly known as Pocahontas. Explore how this 1976 portrait by Marisol, titled Pocahontas, compares to the 1616 Dutch print of the same name by Simon van de Passe. Both works in the SDMA permanent collection feature the same historical figure, but listen along to hear how Marisol updates the portrait to also reflect Matoaka’s indigenous roots.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 29 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Pocahontas by Marisol online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 29 PDF.
Episode 28: Ram Singh on an elephant
Join the royal procession and discover the meaning of this portrait of Maharao Ram Singh II, Rajput ruler of the Rajasthani kingdom of Kota in modern-day India from 1827 to 1866. Plus, hear the clues Ram Singh on an elephant provides about how paintings were conceived, completed, and copied at court.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 28 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Ram Singh on an elephant online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 28 PDF.
Episode 27: Saint Bartholomew by Rembrandt
A special long-term loan from the Timken Museum of Art, Saint Bartholomew, painted in 1657, is one of the most important works from the final phase of Rembrandt’s career. Hear about the significance of this work, how Rembrandt uses light to reflect emotion, and why Saint Bartholomew is depicted holding a knife.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 27 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Rembrandt’s Saint Bartholomew online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 27 PDF.
Episode 26: An African elephant and mahout
How did a portrait of an African elephant and its mahout, or caretaker, come to be drawn at Mughal Indian court? Hear the story behind this rare drawing and hear how it has been tied with an Italian doctor and arts patron known to have spent time at the Mughal Indian court.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 26 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View An African elephant and mahout online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 26 PDF.
Episode 25: Rainy Night by Charles Burchfield
Journey back in time to Buffalo, New York in 1929 in this episode of the Masterpiece Minute podcast. Hear what inspired American watercolorist Charles Burchfield’s Rainy Night and his reaction upon hearing that the painting was purchased by The San Diego Museum of Art.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 25 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Charles Burchfield’s Rainy Night, online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 25 PDF.
Episode 24: Self Portrait, Etching at a Window by Rembrandt
Explore the best-known etching self-portrait by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, or simply Rembrandt, in this week’s Masterpiece Minute podcast episode. Hear how prints such as Self Portrait, Etching at a Window helped bolster Rembrandt’s fame, and learn how Rembrandt experimented with the process.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 24 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Rembrandt’s Self Portrait, Etching at a Window, online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 24 PDF.
Episode 23: San Diego de Alcalá by Pedro de Mena
How did sculptors make this and similar seventeenth-century Spanish statues look so realistic? Learn about Spain’s highly naturalistic sculpture style and how it is shown in this sculpture, San Diego de Alcalá by Pedro de Mena, in this episode of the Museum’s Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 23 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Pedro de Mena’s San Diego de Alcalá, online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 23 PDF.
Episode 22: Étienne-René Cardinal Potier de Gesvres by Pompeo Batoni
This eighteenth-century Roman portrait, Étienne-René Cardinal Potier de Gesvres by Pompeo Batoni, has a history of deception and redemption tied to World War II. Hear its story, including how it was rescued by the Allied officers of the famed Monuments Men division.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 22 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Pompeo Batoni’s Étienne-René Cardinal Potier de Gesvres online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 22 PDF.
Episode 21: Basin or Charger, 16th century Spain
What makes this large serving dish shine and how did the trade secret travel from medieval Iraq to 16th century Spain and beyond? Learn about the fascinating history of this closely guarded technique, called luster, in this Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 21 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Basin or Charger, 16th century online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 21 PDF.
Episode 20: Still Life by José Agustín Arrieta
Visit Mexico and hear how José Agustín Arrieta reinvented still life painting in the region with works including this masterpiece, titled Still Life.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 20 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View José Agustín Arrieta’s Still Life online.
Read along in the Masterpiece Minute Episode 20 PDF.
Episode 19: Krishna steals clothes of the milkmaids
Hear why stories of Krishna and other narratives about Hindu deities are popular subject matter and learn some of the history of printmaking in India in this episode of the Masterpiece Minute podcast. Plus, hear the story behind Krishna steals clothes of the milkmaids.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 19 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Krishna steals clothes of the milkmaids online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Episode 19 PDF.
Episode 18: The Adoration of the Shepherds by El Greco
How did Spanish master El Greco begin and how did he create his signature style? Learn about El Greco and the significance of this oil painting on copper, The Adoration of the Shepherds, in this episode of the Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 18 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View El Greco’s The Adoration of the Shepherds online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Episode 18 PDF.
Episode 17: The Prodigal Son
How did European-style imagery and themes come to the Iranian court? Specifically, how did an engraving of The Prodigal Son with the Swine, created in 1538 by prolific German printmaker Sebald Beham, travel to and inspire the 17th century Iranian print of The Prodigal Son shown here?
Explore how art and ideas travel in this Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 17 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View The Prodigal Son online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Episode 17 PDF.
Episode 16: Hercules and Omphala by Bartholomaeus Spranger
How is Bartholomaeus Spranger exploring gender identity in this work? What is the meaning of the iconography shown in this engraving of Hercules and Omphale?
Explore this work and learn about Flemish painter Bartholomeus Spranger, the leading court artist to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II in Prague (now Czech Republic), in this episode of the Masterpiece Minute podcast.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 16 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Bartholomeus Spranger’s Hercules and Omphale online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 16 PDF.
Episode 15: Zahhak enthroned
What’s the cautionary tale for rulers shared in this illustrated manuscript page? What’s happening here and how does it relate to Iranian tradition?
Do you see the snakes in this manuscript page? Hear the cautionary tale for rulers shared in this illustrated manuscript page in the second of a two-part podcast series on the arts of the book in Iran. Learn about legendary Iranian kings, Persian folklore, how the Shahnama helped promote refined conduct, and more.
Listen now:
Listen to “Masterpiece Minute – Episode 15” on Spreaker.View Zahhak enthroned online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 15 PDF.
Episode 14: Gurdiya advises her brother
What’s the significance of this early 14th century folio page? What’s happening here and how does it relate to Iranian tradition? Hear this and more in the first of a two-part podcast series on the arts of the book in Iran.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 14 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Gurdiya advises her brother Bahram Chubina online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 14 PDF.
Episode 13: Christ Served by Angels attributed to Juan de Pareja
What clues lead us to believe this unsigned painting is by Juan de Pareja, an enslaved Spanish painter of African descent who spent nearly his entire adult life in the workshop of Diego Velázquez? Unravel this mystery and hear about Pareja’s life, which for many years was shrouded in legend.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 13 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Juan de Pareja’s Christ Served by Angels online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 13 PDF.
Episode 12: A Vase of Flowers by Rachel Ruysch
Is the placement of the flowers painted in this piece random or quite purposeful? Explore this and hear about the family life and career success of celebrated Dutch painter Rachel Ruysch in this Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 12 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Rachel Ruysch’s A Vase of Flowers online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 12 PDF.
Episode 11: Delta Doo by Alison Saar
What is the meaning of the symbolism in this portrait? Hear how Los Angeles-based artist Alison Saar explores race, gender, and identity in the African diaspora. Learn about the bottle tree tradition and its significance in this powerful woodcut portrait in this Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 11 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Alison Saar’s Delta Doo online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 11 PDF.
Episode 10: God the Father with Angels by Giotto
The oldest European painting in the Museum collection, God the Father with Angels has a fascinating history. Learn about this work, including how it was rediscovered, and the hidden feature the artist left for future generations.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 10 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Giotto’s God the Father with Angels online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 10 PDF.
Episode 9: Indra, mounted on Airavata, proceeding into battle with his army
Who were Indra and Airavata and why are elephants so important in South Asian art? Learn the history and context of Indra, mounted on Airavata, proceeding into battle with his army, a page from an illustrated manuscript of the Bhagavata Purana (Ancient Tales of the Lord Vishnu).
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 9 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Indra, mounted on Airavata, proceeding into battle with his army online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 9 PDF.
Episode 8: The Hands of Dr. Moore by Diego Rivera
What influenced this surreal portrait? Explore the layers of meaning and depth of this work by Diego Rivera and be sure to listen all the way to the end for a science fun fact.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 8 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Rivera’s The Hands of Dr. Moore online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 8 PDF.
Episode 7: Elephants and Drivers Fighting for Sport
Enter the world of ancient south Indian courtly art and learn the many roles of elephants in this latest Masterpiece Minute podcast episode.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 7 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Elephants and Drivers Fighting for Sport online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 7 PDF.
Episode 6: Antique Spanish frame for Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist by Francisco de Zurbarán
What makes this antique Spanish frame a perfect fit for this work by Francisco de Zurbarán? Hear how this frame and painting came together in the latest episode of Masterpiece Minute.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 6 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Zurbarán’s Virgin and Child with Saint John online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 6 PDF.
This episode of Masterpiece Minute is brought to you in part by the Tourist Office of Spain.
Episode 5: Frederick de Vries (also known as A Boy and His Dog) by Hendrick Goltzius
A boy, a dog, and a bird. What’s the hidden message? Learn the story behind this endearing engraving from Hendrick Goltzius.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 5 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Goltzius’ Frederick de Vries online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 5 PDF.
Episode 4: María at La Granja by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida
Who was María and what is the significance of her being in La Granja? Learn the story behind this masterpiece by Sorolla, the very first work in the SDMA collection.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 4 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Sorolla’s María at La Granja online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 4 PDF.
This episode of Masterpiece Minute is brought to you in part by the Tourist Office of Spain.
Episode 3: Agnus Dei (“Lamb of God”) by Francisco de Zurbarán
Still life or devotional symbolic painting? Hear the significance of this work and why it’s a favorite among kids.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 3 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Zurbarán’s Agnus Dei (“Lamb of God”) online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 3 PDF.
This episode of Masterpiece Minute is brought to you in part by the Tourist Office of Spain.
Episode 2: Portrait of a Man by Giorgione
Why did so few of Giorgione’s works survive? Learn the reason and how this important work breaks from earlier portraits from the Italian Renaissance.
Listen now:
Listen to “Episode 2 – Masterpiece Minute Podcast” on Spreaker.View Giorgione’s Portrait of a Man online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 2 PDF.
Episode 1: Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber by Juan Sánchez Cotán
Hear the history behind this masterful still life, including which royal court it once adorned and how it’s tied to the Carthusian monastery.
Listen now:
Listen to “Masterpiece Minute Episode 1” on Spreaker.View Cotán’s Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber online.
Read along with the Masterpiece Minute Ep. 1 PDF.
This episode of Masterpiece Minute is brought to you in part by the Tourist Office of Spain.
Download the SDMA App
Download our app from the App Store or Google Play to listen to the Masterpiece Minute podcast each week, virtually explore Museum galleries with 360-degree views, enjoy self-guided tours, hear insider stories, listen or read about works in our collection, and more!
Featured: Jules-Ferdinand Jacquemart. The Musician, 19th century. Etching. Gift of John F. Hollowell, 1967.22.g.