Ancient Art Podcast, Ancient Worlds
164 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★ - 25 ratingsAncient Worlds is the audio series of the Ancient Art Podcast where we choose a single work of art as a launchpad for inspiration. Here we unpack the stories, history, myths, and culture from antiquity through a modern lens and with tongue firmly planted in cheek. The Ancient Art Podcast explores the art and culture of the Ancient Mediterranean World with host Lucas Livingston. Uncover the truths and unravel the mysteries of the civilizations that shaped our modern world. Each episode features detailed examinations of exemplary works from the Art Institute of Chicago and other notable collections in addition to broad themes and concepts of Ancient Mediterranean art and culture.
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Episodes
Egyptomania, the Early Years – Piranesi, Gerome, Desprez (93)
April 11, 2020 18:15 - 8 minutes - 35.9 MB Videohttp://ancientartpodcast.org/93 This short excerpt from my lecture on the art and history of the Egyptomania phenomenon delves into its early origins. As Europe emerged from the Middle Ages, Egyptian antiquities pillaged during the Roman Empire were excavated from their slumber under Roman soil and newly erected across the city. Even before the translation of the Rosetta Stone, before Napoleon's epic Egyptian expedition and publication of Description de l'Égypte, artists such as Giovanni B...
One Ring to Rule Them All (92)
March 18, 2020 23:28 - 24 minutes - 51.3 MB Videohttp://ancientartpodcast.org/92 This extended episode takes us on an unexpected journey across the Art Institute of Chicago to explore the artistry and influences of rings. We go well beyond personal adornment and discuss the significance and many meanings of "ring" as it appears in visual culture. Image: Le Grenouillard (Frog-Man), 1892 Jean-Joseph Carriès French, 1855–1894 Art Institute of Chicago, 2007.78 Connect: Donate to the Ancient Art Podcast at http://ancientartpodcast.org...
Japanese Ukiyo-e Pictures of the Floating World (91)
January 30, 2019 21:17 - 6 minutes - 7.4 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/91 In this excerpt from my lecture on the Art Institute's recent special exhibition Painting the Floating World: Ukiyo-e Masterpieces from the Weston Collection, I set the stage for what was Japan's Floating World culture during the Edo Period of the Tokugawa Shogunate, 1615-1868. We touch on the origin of the term, the cultural climate in which it rose the popularity, and how the floating world psyche was expressed in Japan's visual arts at the time. Image: ...
Dionysus and the Pirates, the Dionysus Cup by Exekias (90)
July 19, 2018 02:58 - 9 minutes - 357 MB Videohttp://ancientartpodcast.org/90 In yet another nod to alcoholic inebriation's polymorphic magical potency, we encounter one of my favorite tales of the god of wine, ecstasy, reverie, and madness ... Dionysus. Here we learn the tale of Dionysus versus the Pirates as originally recounted in Homeric Hymn number 7 and alluded to on the exquisite black-figure "Dionysus Cup" kylix by the master painter and potter Exekias. For detailed credits, visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/90. Featured Wo...
Adventures of Ulysses in an Italian Renaissance Hope Chest (89)
January 14, 2018 19:03 - 9 minutes - 13.8 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/89 In this excerpt from a recent tour, I explore some of the highlights from Homer's Odyssey in a 15th century Florentine painting and learn a little about Italian Renaissance marriage and fidelity. Names and terms dropped: Homer, Odysseus, Penelope, Nausica, cyclops, Polyphemus, the Sirens, Hermes, moly, Circe, Calypso, Argos, Apollonio di Giovanni, James Joyce, Trojan War, Tuscan, gilding; important terms not dropped: cassone. For images of the featured work...
Tibetan Mandalas (88)
December 22, 2017 03:42 - 8 minutes - 15.4 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/88 In this short excerpt from my lecture on Tibetan Buddhist art, we skim the surface of the spiritual meaning, function, and structure of Tibetan mandalas. For images of the featured works of art, visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/88. Featured Works of Art: Drepung Gomang Monastery Mandala of World Peace September 21, 2014 Miller Beach, Indiana Photo by Lucas Livingston, ancientartpodcast.org/88 Arjia Rinpoche Architectural Model of the Kalachakra Ma...
Circe and Witchcraft in Ancient Greece (87)
November 17, 2017 02:00 - 3 minutes - 8.54 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/87 This is a short excerpt from my lecture "Things That Go Bump: A Visual Survey of Witches, Demons, and Ghosts." Herein we explore the ancient Greek tradition of witchcraft and metamorphosis in two images — one ancient and one modern — of Circe, the definitive witch of Grecian lore and seductive sorceress of Odyssean fame. Waterhouse masterfully betrays her jealous cruelty in those cold, dark, uncaring eyes. Vying for the affection of a handsome lover, the hat...
Goya's Caprices and the Wicked Witch of the West (86)
November 01, 2017 00:54 - 2 minutes - 7.55 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/86 Happy Halloween! In this very brief excerpt from my lecture "Things That Go Bump: A Visual Survey of Witches, Demons, and Ghosts," we introduce Goya's 1797/99 published volume The Caprices (Los Caprichos). This tome of nightmares, witches, and devils satirizes human vice and intolerance of late 18th century Spanish society through the demons born of religion and power. We conclude with a brief glimpse at our modern icon of the Wicked Witch through the lens o...
Odysseus Journeys to the Underworld (85)
October 25, 2017 21:07 - 2 minutes - 6.07 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/85 A very brief excerpt from my lecture "Things That Go Bump: A Visual Survey of Witches, Demons, and Ghosts!" Odysseus Journeys to the Underworld and holds a seance with the souls of Hades through necromantic blood magic so the countless shades of the dead and the gone would surge around him. Featured Work of Art: Jar (pelike) with Odysseus and Elpenor in the Underworld Greece, Athens, Classical, about 440 BC The Lykaon Painter Museum of Fine Arts, Boston...
Birth of Dionysus (84)
September 16, 2017 12:28 - 16 minutes - 16.2 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/84 Diving head first into the many myths of the celebrated god of wine, ecstasy, theater, and madness, episode 84 of the Ancient Art Podcast's Ancient Worlds series explores The Birth of Dionysus. Drawing inspiration from the famed sculpture Hermes and the Infant Dionysus, we explore the wine god's parentage, his mother Semele's tragic fate, and the curious case of the twice-born god. Names dropped: Zeus, Semele, Hera, Hermes, Cadmus, Harmonia, Europa, Ovid, Hy...
Dragons and Tigers (83)
August 17, 2017 01:15 - 9 minutes - 12.7 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/83 In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, we walk through two starkly contrasting Japanese folding screens celebrating the time-honored, iconic subjects of dragons and tigers with exceptional energy and dynamism. Features Works of Art: Kishi Ganku (1749-1838) Dragon and Tiger, 1835 Pair of six panel screens; ink and gold on paper Art Institute of Chicago, 2016.314a-b Morita Shiryu (1912-1998) Dragon (Ryu), 1965 Four-panel screen; aluminum-flake pi...
Medicine Buddha Bhaishajyaguru - Meaningful Materials (82)
July 13, 2017 02:05 - 5 minutes - 14 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/82 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful material of the semi-precious blue stone lapis lazuli in a Tibetan painted banner (thangka) of the Buddha of medicine and healing, Bhaishajyaguru. Features Works of Art: Painted Banner (Thangka) with the Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru) Central Tibet, 14th century Pigment...
Chinese Jade - Meaningful Materials (81)
June 30, 2017 13:16 - 5 minutes - 6.1 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/81 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful material of Chinese jade — its symbolic and medicinal value, function, materiality, artistry, and poetic inspiration. Features Works of Art: Dragon Pendants Jade China, Eastern Zhou dynasty Warring States period (c.480-221 BC) c. 4th/3rd century B.C. 9.2 x 16.8 x 0.7 c...
Incan Gold and Chicha Beer - Meaningful Materials (80)
June 08, 2017 23:11 - 8 minutes - 10.7 MBhttp://ancientartpodcast.org/80 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful material of gold in Incan art and culture. We also discuss the traditional Andean corn beer called "chicha." Features Works of Art: Beaker Inca, Ica Valley, south coast, Peru Late 15th/early 16th century Gold 16.5 x 6.4 cm (6 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.) Art Institute of Chicago, ...
Boli Ritual Object - Meaningful Materials (79)
May 19, 2017 23:55 - 3 minutes - 2.96 MBancientartpodcast.org/79 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful materials in a Boli Ritual Object of the Bamana people in Mali, Africa. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents including background chatter and beeping proximity alarms. Permanent collection label: Bamana sculpture often fu...
African Nkisi Nkondi Power Figure - Meaningful Materials (78)
May 18, 2017 21:51 - 4 minutes - 6.91 MBancientartpodcast.org/78 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful materials in a Nkisi Nkondi Power Figure of the Vili people in central Africa. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents including background chatter and beeping proximity alarms. Image: Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi) Vili, Repu...
African Congo Kuba Mukenga Mask - Meaningful Materials (77)
May 05, 2017 23:12 - 6 minutes - 6.32 MBancientartpodcast.org/77 How do artists' choices of materials assign identity and meaning to works of art? How does meaning assign material? In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I explore the meaningful materials in an African Congolese ceremonial mask of the Kuba Kingdom. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents including background chatter and beeping proximity alarms. Image: Mask (Mukenga) Kuba, Western Kasai region, Dem...
Black Figure vs Red Figure Ancient Greek Vase Painting Techniques (76)
April 22, 2017 01:24 - 10 minutes - 15.4 MBancientartpodcast.org/76 In this excerpt from one of my museum tours, I discuss the techniques of Greek vase painting and the differences between the black-figure and red-figure styles. We also dip a toe into some Greek history, talk about the names of Greek vase painters, artists signing their works, and compare Greek vase painters to the French Impressionists. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents including background chatter, co...
Chinese Tang Funerary Figurines - Coloring the Past (75)
April 15, 2017 17:48 - 3 minutes - 4.98 MBancientartpodcast.org/75 Why are the heads, crowns, and hands of magnificent Tang Dynasty Chinese tomb figurines so startlingly bare compared to their brilliantly colored bodies? This is an excerpt from my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents of background chatter, beeping proximity alarms, and echoing reverb. Please forgive the poor sound quality...
Etruscan Gigantomachy, Gods vs Giants - Coloring the Past (74)
April 07, 2017 12:54 - 6 minutes - 9.04 MBancientartpodcast.org/74 We examine the use of color in ancient art to designate role, status, nature, and more, and discuss causes for the disappearance of polychromy in ancient art. Side note: Why does the Egyptian God Osiris sometimes appear with black skin and sometimes with green skin? Names dropped: Zeus, Athena, Olympians, Giants, Gaia, Osiris. This is an excerpt from my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. This recording comes complet...
Zeuxis and Parrhasius, Pliny the Elder, Roman Painting - Coloring the Past (73)
March 31, 2017 12:54 - 2 minutes - 7.87 MBancientartpodcast.org/73 Pliny the Elder shares with us the tale of dueling artists Zeuxis and Parrhasius as they battled for the title of who could paint a more beguilingly realistic trompe-l'oeil ("fools the eye") masterpiece. We also hear another short story of Zeuxis's dashed pride. This is an excerpt from my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accen...
Tinted Venus - Painted Aphrodite - Coloring the Past (72)
March 24, 2017 02:29 - 4 minutes - 7.9 MBancientartpodcast.org/72 Many sculptural works from the ancient world were once beautifully colored. This is an excerpt of my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. Here we discuss the original polychromy of the famous Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles and the 1862 Tinted Venus by English sculptor John Gibson. This recording comes complete with all the juicy, unscripted, live-action museum gallery accents of noisy kids, beeping proximity alarms...
Cycladic Female Figure - Coloring the Past (71)
March 17, 2017 14:13 - 6 minutes - 5.73 MBancientartpodcast.org/71 Many sculptural works from the ancient world were once beautifully colored. This is an excerpt of my gallery talk "Coloring the Past" in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 9, 2017. Here we explore the use of color on a Cycladic Statuette of a Female Figure from the Early Bronze Age, 2600-2400 B.C. Please forgive the poor sound quality. Gallery Talk: Coloring the Past (American Sign Language-interpreted) Art Institute of Chicago March 9, 2017 "How does our ...
70: Drinking along the Silk Road: Wine in China
December 03, 2016 03:00 - 19 minutes - 17 MBancientartpodcast.org/70 We dig up the dirt on vines and wines in China's Tang dynasty and beyond, explore the wares of our Central Asian caravan, marvel at the magnificent horses of the Fergana Valley, and sip the delicious nectar from the Grape Valley of the Flaming Mountains to the accompaniment of colorful poetry. Names dropped: Poets Li Qi and Li Bo, the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, emperors Li Chen and Mu Tsung, Zhang Qian, Dogfish Head Brewery, Dr. Patrick McGovern, Chateau Jiahu...
69: On Ramp to the Silk Road
September 19, 2016 02:56 - 9 minutes - 19.1 MBancientartpodcast.org/69 In this episode, we trek along the dusty trails of the famed Silk Road. We meet some of the people traipsing this network, hitch a ride on a merchant's camel, pass by some pilgrims, and meet a young religious faith called Buddhism. And we'll look at a lot of ceramics. Ceramics from China's Jin, Tang, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. Selected Artwork: Funerary Urn (Hunping), China, Western Jin dynasty, late 3rd century, Art Institute of Chicago, 1987.242. Silk Road Carav...
Ten Years of the Ancient Art Podcast
September 11, 2016 14:49 - 2 minutes - 4.33 MBHey folks! This is Lucas Livingston from the Ancient Art Podcast, serving up hot meals of antiquity since 2006 with a healthy side of smack! Yeah, that's right. 10 years. A good decade now. Going way back to when smartphones were still cool and your friends were telling you all about why you gotta join this Facebook thing. So I got 2 things I wanna tell ya now: 1. There’s this awesome class coming up at the the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute. It’s a 3-part series called "Drinki...
68 (HD): Hercules and Buddha Walk into a Bar
June 17, 2016 15:49 - 8 minutes - 66.3 MB VideoLast time in episode 67 we learned all about a Buddhist relief carving in the Art Institute of Chicago. We met two Buddhas — one legendary and one historical — Dipankara and Shakyamuni. Now the promised bombshell. The reason you all came back. This muscular, shaggy-bearded, club-wielding brute next to Buddha. Why in the world in a Buddhist work of art does the legendary Greek hero Hercules make an appearance? Image: Relief with Buddha Shakyamuni Meditating in the Indrashala Cave (top) and B...
67 (iPod): Buddha's Past Lives – Dipankara and Shakyamuni
June 17, 2016 15:06 - 6 minutes - 20.7 MB VideoTwo tales from the many lives of Buddha. The top scene depicts Buddha Shakyamuni meditating in the Indrashala cave awaiting his rebirth on Earth. The bottom scene shows Buddha Dipankara meeting the hermit Sumedha. Among other Gandharan works of art, this Buddhist carving might include representations of the Hindu gods Indra and Brahma. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. The big bombshell is that we have an honest to goodness cameo of the legendary Greek hero Hercules! Image: Relief wit...
67 (HD): Buddha's Past Lives – Dipankara and Shakyamuni
April 13, 2016 21:40 - 6 minutes - 59.4 MB VideoTwo tales from the many lives of Buddha. The top scene depicts Buddha Shakyamuni meditating in the Indrashala cave awaiting his rebirth on Earth. The bottom scene shows Buddha Dipankara meeting the hermit Sumedha. Among other Gandharan works of art, this Buddhist carving might include representations of the Hindu gods Indra and Brahma. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. The big bombshell is that we have an honest to goodness cameo of the legendary Greek hero Hercules! Image: Relief wit...
66 (iPod): Star Wars and Stupas
April 11, 2016 02:52 - 3 minutes - 14.8 MB VideoEpisode 66 of the Ancient Art Podcast picks up where we left off in episode 65 with the Gandharan Stupa Reliquary in the Art Institute of Chicago. We briefly touch on some commonalities between Buddhism and Star Wars. We also learn more about the historic origin of the four pillars around the dome, discover what the deal is with those lion capitals, and revisit the Persians, Persepolis, Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, and Buddha humbly giving his first sermon in the deer park at Sarna...
66 (HD): Star Wars and Stupas
February 11, 2016 16:28 - 3 minutes - 195 MB VideoEpisode 66 of the Ancient Art Podcast picks up where we left off in episode 65 with the Gandharan Stupa Reliquary in the Art Institute of Chicago. We briefly touch on some commonalities between Buddhism and Star Wars. We also learn more about the historic origin of the four pillars around the dome, discover what the deal is with those lion capitals, and revisit the Persians, Persepolis, Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, and Buddha humbly giving his first sermon in the deer park at Sarna...
65 (iPod): Gandharan Stupa Reliquary
January 19, 2016 14:31 - 5 minutes - 19.5 MB VideoEpisode 65 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores a Gandharan Stupa Reliquary in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The subdued appearance of this small reliquary belies its cultural and aesthetic significance at the crossroads of East and West, where great empires collide. Who were the Gandharans and what is their legacy? Walk in the footsteps of godlike leaders, like Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, Cyrus, and Darius. Discover the cultural and historic mark they left on the...
65 (HD): Gandharan Stupa Reliquary
January 19, 2016 13:40 - 5 minutes - 370 MB VideoEpisode 65 of the Ancient Art Podcast explores a Gandharan Stupa Reliquary in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The subdued appearance of this small reliquary belies its cultural and aesthetic significance at the crossroads of East and West, where great empires collide. Who were the Gandharans and what is their legacy? Walk in the footsteps of godlike leaders, like Alexander the Great, Ashoka the Great, Cyrus, and Darius. Discover the cultural and historic mark they left on the...
63 (iPod): Dogs in Antiquity: Greece and Rome
October 27, 2015 12:53 - 11 minutes - 51.8 MB VideoIn my third installment of a three-part series on dogs in antiquity, we're back in our familiar stomping ground of the Classical World to consider the roles of dogs in ancient Greece and Rome. Ancient writings give us the names of prized breeds in antiquity, which we match to magnificent examples in art. Classical authors like Arrian and Xenophon have much to say about the roles of dogs, from hunting and guarding to racing and companionship, but what about warfare? We meet Odysseus and his fa...
63 (HD): Dogs in Antiquity: Greece and Rome
October 26, 2015 20:40 - 11 minutes - 150 MB VideoIn my third installment of a three-part series on dogs in antiquity, we're back in our familiar stomping ground of the Classical World to consider the roles of dogs in ancient Greece and Rome. Ancient writings give us the names of prized breeds in antiquity, which we match to magnificent examples in art. Classical authors like Arrian and Xenophon have much to say about the roles of dogs, from hunting and guarding to racing and companionship, but what about warfare? We meet Odysseus and his fa...
62 (iPod): Dogs in Antiquity: China
July 21, 2015 12:53 - 7 minutes - 19.9 MB VideoLast time in our three-part series on dogs in antiquity, we explored the ancient hairless breeds of the New World and had a look at the popular ceramic funerary effigy of the Colima dog from a couple thousand years ago. We were also introduced to a young celebrity, Sputnik, my cute little hairless Xoloitzcuintli-Chihuahua mix. This time in episode 62 of the Ancient Art Podcast we're off to China to discover the prehistoric domestication of dogs and look closely at a 2,000 year old ceramic mas...
62 (HD): Dogs in Antiquity: China
July 21, 2015 03:19 - 7 minutes - 236 MB VideoLast time in our three-part series on dogs in antiquity, we explored the ancient hairless breeds of the New World and had a look at the popular ceramic funerary effigy of the Colima dog from a couple thousand years ago. We were also introduced to a young celebrity, Sputnik, my cute little hairless Xoloitzcuintli-Chihuahua mix. This time in episode 62 of the Ancient Art Podcast we're off to China to discover the prehistoric domestication of dogs and look closely at a 2,000 year old ceramic mas...
64 (iPod): Striding Horned Wild Man
December 18, 2014 02:29 - 7 minutes - 27.1 MB VideoJust in time for Christmas, episode 64 of the Ancient Art Podcast spins a Yuletide yarn. All decked out for the holidays, this amazing, little, elvish sprite weaves us up a tall mountain pass on an enchanting journey through antiquity. The 5,000 year old horned striding figure from the ancient Near Eastern Proto-Elamite culture captivates our imagination of the enigmatic wild man of collective ancient lore. Herein we meet Gilgamesh's Enkidu, Egyptian gods and Pharaohs, the Greco-Roman Hercule...
64 (HD): Striding Horned Wild Man
December 16, 2014 17:15 - 7 minutes - 427 MB VideoJust in time for Christmas, episode 64 of the Ancient Art Podcast spins a Yuletide yarn. All decked out for the holidays, this amazing, little, elvish sprite weaves us up a tall mountain pass on an enchanting journey through antiquity. The 5,000 year old horned striding figure from the ancient Near Eastern Proto-Elamite culture captivates our imagination of the enigmatic wild man of collective ancient lore. Herein we meet Gilgamesh's Enkidu, Egyptian gods and Pharaohs, the Greco-Roman Hercule...
61 (iPod): Dogs in Antiquity: Xoloitzcuintli & Colima
December 13, 2014 16:28 - 7 minutes - 23.6 MB VideoDig in to this feast for the eyes as we discuss the role of dogs in ancient Mesoamerican civilization and art. This is our first in a three-part series on dogs in antiquity. This episodes serves up one of the most popular examples of canines in art, the Colima dog of ancient West Mexico, captured in an exemplary ceramic specimen in Art Institute of Chicago. Our lingua culinaria isn’t too off base, as the hairless hounds and pudgy puppies of ancient Mesoamerica were in fact a common food sourc...
61 (HD): Dogs in Antiquity: Xoloitzcuintli & Colima
May 16, 2014 21:47 - 7 minutes - 141 MB VideoDig in to this feast for the eyes as we discuss the role of dogs in ancient Mesoamerican civilization and art. This is our first in a three-part series on dogs in antiquity. This episodes serves up one of the most popular examples of canines in art, the Colima dog of ancient West Mexico, captured in an exemplary ceramic specimen in Art Institute of Chicago. Our lingua culinaria isn’t too off base, as the hairless hounds and pudgy puppies of ancient Mesoamerica were in fact a common food sourc...
60 (iPod): Comets & Antiquity, Halley's Comet, ISON, Apophis, and More
March 12, 2014 23:27 - 13 minutes - 35.4 MB VideoIt's a cosmic collision of contemporary and antiquity on the Ancient Art Podcast! The prophesied comet of the century, Comet ISON, may have bit the dust, but that's no reason to pile dirt on our exploration of comets of past and present in the world of art. In two rare examples of auspicious comets in antiquity, Augustus Caesar and Mithridates VI of Pontus exploit coinage as vehicle for propaganda. We discuss the cameo of Halley's Comet on the Bayeux Tapestry capturing the Battle of Hastings ...
60 (HD): Comets & Antiquity, Halley's Comet, ISON, Apophis, and More
February 18, 2014 02:21 - 13 minutes - 252 MB VideoIt's a cosmic collision of contemporary and antiquity on the Ancient Art Podcast! The prophesied comet of the century, Comet ISON, may have bit the dust, but that's no reason to pile dirt on our exploration of comets of past and present in the world of art. In two rare examples of auspicious comets in antiquity, Augustus Caesar and Mithridates VI of Pontus exploit coinage as vehicle for propaganda. We discuss the cameo of Halley's Comet on the Bayeux Tapestry capturing the Battle of Hastings ...
59 (iPod): A Witches' Sabbath
November 05, 2013 20:25 - 5 minutes - 13.7 MB VideoGreetings gashlycrumbs! Enjoy this spooktacular free Halloween segment of the Ancient Art Podcast episode 59, "A Witches' Sabbath!" Meet the wicked witches, devilish denizens, and things that go bump in the night in the Art Institute of Chicago's painting "A Witches' Sabbath" by Dutch artist Cornelis Saftleven. Grab the complete episode at http://ancientartpodcast.org/curious. The complete episode explores the peculiar fascination Dutch and Flemish artists had with the proverbial "fire and br...
59 (HD): A Witches' Sabbath
October 31, 2013 12:57 - 5 minutes - 104 MB VideoGreetings gashlycrumbs! Enjoy this spooktacular free Halloween segment of the Ancient Art Podcast episode 59, "A Witches' Sabbath!" Meet the wicked witches, devilish denizens, and things that go bump in the night in the Art Institute of Chicago's painting "A Witches' Sabbath" by Dutch artist Cornelis Saftleven. Grab the complete episode at http://ancientartpodcast.org/curious. The complete episode explores the peculiar fascination Dutch and Flemish artists had with the proverbial "fire and br...
Curious
August 04, 2013 19:54 - 1 minute - 38.4 MB VideoA short announcement about some changes to the Ancient Art Podcast. The Ancient Art Podcast and Curious.com have teamed up to host episodes of the podcast at Curious.com. Episodes now include quizzes, handouts, discussions, and more. Visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/curious to see more! You can now help support the Ancient Art Podcast. Visit http://ancientartpodcast.org/ and click on the "Donate" link. Thanks for the support and for 7 great years and counting! Connect at http://facebook.c...
58 (iPod): Lycurgus Cup
July 20, 2013 13:31 - 4 minutes - 13.6 MB VideoRaise your glass to the most incredible chalice from antiquity. The Lycurgus Cup in the British Museum is truly exceptional for its exquisite beauty, delicate craftsmanship, magnificent detail, and a seemingly magical ability to transform colors before your very eyes. Discover the myth of the doomed Thracian king, Lycurgus, driven mad by Dionysus and ensnared by the wine god's creeping vines. Explore the wondrous curiosity of Roman cage cups found in collections across the world, including th...
58 (HD): Lycurgus Cup
July 18, 2013 12:57 - 4 minutes - 97.7 MB VideoRaise your glass to the most incredible chalice from antiquity. The Lycurgus Cup in the British Museum is truly exceptional for its exquisite beauty, delicate craftsmanship, magnificent detail, and a seemingly magical ability to transform colors before your very eyes. Discover the myth of the doomed Thracian king, Lycurgus, driven mad by Dionysus and ensnared by the wine god's creeping vines. Explore the wondrous curiosity of Roman cage cups found in collections across the world, including th...
57 (iPod): Medusa Up Close and Personal
May 02, 2013 12:19 - 9 minutes - 24 MB VideoEpisode 57 of the Ancient Art Podcast builds on what we learned in episode 53 about the mythology and artistry of the creepy creature of chaos, the Gorgon Medusa. This episode delves deeper into her primal lair. We confront her petrifying gaze while closely examining a few famous works of ancient art exploring Medusa’s roots, influences, and evolutions. Included are the Bronze Age Minoan "Snake Goddesses," the Polyphemus Amphora, the Nessos Amphora, the Temple of Artemis at Corfu, kylix eye-c...
57 (HD): Medusa Up Close and Personal
April 30, 2013 15:37 - 9 minutes - 189 MB VideoEpisode 57 of the Ancient Art Podcast builds on what we learned in episode 53 about the mythology and artistry of the creepy creature of chaos, the Gorgon Medusa. This episode delves deeper into her primal lair. We confront her petrifying gaze while closely examining a few famous works of ancient art exploring Medusa’s roots, influences, and evolutions. Included are the Bronze Age Minoan "Snake Goddesses," the Polyphemus Amphora, the Nessos Amphora, the Temple of Artemis at Corfu, kylix eye-c...