You might be tempted to pass over this post.  Don’t.  Treat yourself and consume the videos below and then share them.  Even if you aren’t currently a lover of art history, these might change that.

For the past couple months, I have had the great opportunity to listen to a series of lectures given by Micah Christensen.  Micah has his PhD in the History of Art from the University of London and a Masters of Fine Art from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.  He is a gifted teacher, relating history with the right mix of lecture, anecdotes, insight and enthusiasm.

The lectures are free to attend so if you are in the Utah area don’t miss this opportunity.  They are held weekly on Tuesdays at Anthony’s Fine Art in SLC, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. and Thursdays at Zion’s Mercantile at the Riverwoods from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.  Fortunately, they are also recorded and Micah has set up a Vimeo channel to share.

Micah’s website is Bearded Roman and has some great information and links as well.

Starting out with a giant, Velasquez!

https://player.vimeo.com/video/153965671
Diego Velázquez: A Lecture on the Painter’s Development, Career, and Masterworks from Micah Christensen on Vimeo.

The Bernini lecture was wonderful, I was there, but have listened to it a couple more times.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/155155817
A Discussion on Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Naples, 1598-Rome,1680) from Micah Christensen on Vimeo.

I was not familiar with Piranesi, but am absolutely fascinated with him now and want to learn more.  Ever wonder where M.C. Esher found inspiration for some of his architectural drawings?

https://player.vimeo.com/video/156323115
Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Venice, 1720-Rome, 1778): A Discussion with Dr. Micah Christensen from Micah Christensen on Vimeo.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/156619675
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (Venice, 1696-Madrid,1770) from Micah Christensen on Vimeo.

I have never been a huge fan of Goya, but I came away from this one with a much greater respect and realized that I had been neglecting my education when it came to this giant.  I was mostly familiar with his darker works (and there are some I do like) but had not seem some of his more classical works.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/157746263
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746-1828) from Micah Christensen on Vimeo.

I really love Canova, so this was a treat to hear about some of his works more in depth.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/158848811
Antonio Canova (Italian, 1747-1822) from Micah Christensen on Vimeo.

I hope you enjoyed these presentations.  Subscribe on Bearded Roman (for free) to stay up to date and hear the upcoming lectures!

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Anthony’s Fine Art is located at 401 East 200 South – Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Zion’s Mercantile at the Riverwoods is located at 4801 N University Ave, Ste. 350 – Provo, UT 84604