ART LECTURES
The Spirituality of Caravaggio
Prof. Dr. Eveline Baseggio
History paints Caravaggio as a rebellious artist. He’s the artist who depicted himself as a sinner, brought barefoot pilgrims to his canvases, and portrayed Madonnas that seemed all too human. But to what extent can these images be seen as acts of defiance, as inappropriate and disrespectful? Could it be that behind these works lies a profound sense of spirituality, reflecting the artist’s personal search for faith?
January Thursday 30th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Italian Immigrant Artists and American Bohemians of Greenwich Village
Prof. Dr. Mary E. Brown
Explore the development of the artistic community in Greenwich Village and how the Italian immigrants and local Bohemians influenced one another, developing an unique cultural and artistic profile.
February Thursday 27th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
The Minotaur: Between Humanity and Beastliness
Prof. Dr. Eveline Baseggio
The Minotaur is perhaps the most captivating figure in mythology for artists throughout the centuries. Its allure likely stems from its dual nature—part human, part beast—and its story, woven with guilt, betrayal, and heroism. In this discussion, we’ll explore how the Minotaur has been interpreted in art and literature over the ages, and attempt to understand what this humanized monster truly represents and can teach us today.
March Thursday 27th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
St. Francis: A Model of the Ideal Saint
Prof. Dr. Eveline Baseggio
It’s undeniable that Saint Francis is the most beloved saint in Christian history and one of the most frequently depicted. His story continues to inspire both adults and children. As the model saint, the Christ-like figure, his life clearly shows us the path to follow. Through a visual journey, we’ll explore the actions that made Saint Francis famous, and reflect on how his image has often been altered by artists and patrons to appeal to the faithful.
April Thursday 24th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Botticelli’s Muse
Prof. Dr. Eveline Baseggio
In Botticelli’s work, a specific model of female beauty is strikingly recurrent. Beginning with his famous Venus, the artist consistently used the same features for his female figures: a graceful woman with fair skin, a long neck, hazel-blue eyes, and flowing reddish-blonde hair. It has been speculated that this idealized image was inspired by a real Renaissance woman, Simonetta Cattaneo Vespucci, who was also beloved by Giuliano de’ Medici. But what do we truly know about Simonetta? Why did Botticelli seem obsessed with her? What did she represent for the artist and his audience?
May Thursday 29th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Location: 323 East 33rd Street (Between 1st and 2nd Aves) New York, NY.
General admission $20
Seating is limited, please reserve in advance
SUMMER ART HISTORY LECTURE SERIES 2025
GREAT MASTERS OF ART
Maestro Francesco Santoro is a visual artist and art history scholar. He will be giving this summer a lecture series on the Great Master of Art, and how the modern masters figured out a new language in a changing world learning from the masters of classical art. The series will be on the life and work of: VAN GOGH, VELAZQUEZ, PIERO DELLA FRANCESCA, MANET, GOYA and LEONARDO.
Lectures in Italian with simultaneous English translation.
PROGRAM 2025:
Dates:
Thurs. June 5th – VAN GOGH
Thurs. June 12th– VELAZQUEZ
Thurs. June 26th– PIERO DELLA FRANCESCA
Thurs. July 3rd – MANET
Thurs. July 10th – GOYA
Thurs. July 17th – LEONARDO
From 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Location: 323 East 33rd Street (Between 1st and 2nd Aves) New York, NY.
General admission $20
Seating is limited, please reserve in advance