The Art of Forgery
Uncover the fascinating world of art forgeries, where skilled forgers have mimicked the styles of the great masters, deceiving collectors and experts alike. In this lecture, we’ll explore the history of famous art forgeries, the techniques used to create them, and how they’ve impacted the art world, sparking debates on authenticity and value.

Cabinet of Curiosities: Treasures and Oddities from Princely Collections
Step into the extravagant world of princely collections, where eccentric and rare treasures tell the stories of royal patrons throughout history. From exotic artifacts to bizarre oddities, this lecture highlights the fascinating items that filled the cabinets of curiosity, revealing the intellectual and artistic pursuits of wealthy collectors.

Discovering the Etruscans: Art, Culture, and History
The Etruscans were one of Italy’s most influential ancient civilizations, yet their art and culture remain shrouded in mystery. This lecture will guide you through their unique contributions to art, architecture, and daily life, and explore how the Etruscans’ fascinating legacy continues to influence modern understanding of ancient Mediterranean cultures.

The École de Nancy: Vanguard of the Art Nouveau Movement
Dive into the innovative world of the École de Nancy, a group of artists who pushed the boundaries of Art Nouveau with their stunning glasswork, furniture, and decorative arts. Learn how they transformed traditional craft into visionary works of art, helping to shape the aesthetic movement that defined the turn of the 20th century.

René Lalique: Jewels of Enchantment
René Lalique’s jewelry is renowned for its beauty, intricacy, and innovation. This lecture delves into the life and legacy of Lalique, exploring his groundbreaking use of materials like glass and enamel, and how his enchanting creations became synonymous with the Art Nouveau movement, leaving a lasting impact on decorative arts.

Brushstrokes of Genius: The Highlights of the Renaissance
Experience the brilliance of the Renaissance through the works of legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. This lecture explores the revolutionary techniques and profound ideas that defined the Renaissance, and how these masterpieces forever altered the course of Western art, science, and culture.

The Making of the Louvre
From medieval fortress to royal residence and, ultimately, the most visited museum in the world, the Louvre is a building shaped by centuries of transformation.
This lecture explores the Louvre’s extraordinary evolution, revealing hidden corners, architectural traces of its past, and fascinating anecdotes that bring its history to life. Along the way, we will revisit both celebrated works and overlooked masterpieces, offering a fresh perspective on a museum visitors often think they already know.

Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900–1950
Inspired by the National Portrait Gallery exhibition, this lecture delves into the lives of bold American women who forged new identities in Paris. Artists, writers, and performers, they redefined modern womanhood and left a lasting mark on transatlantic culture.

Lee Miller: A Life in Many Acts
From her groundbreaking collaboration with Man Ray to her fearless work as a war correspondent for Vogue, Lee Miller defied convention at every turn. This lecture follows her through the Surrealist circles of Paris, the studios of Picasso and Cocteau, the battlefields of World War II, and her richly creative final chapter at Farleys House.

Gold Treasures of Antiquity
Gold has captivated civilizations since antiquity, symbolizing power, divinity, and eternity. This lecture explores exquisite gold objects from the ancient world, revealing how they were crafted, used, and treasured—from ritual and burial practices to displays of wealth and authority. Through these luminous works, we uncover what gold meant to the societies that shaped the ancient Mediterranean and beyond.