From the smallest flower to the grandest mountain, Earth has inspired artists to explore nature's beauty, complexity and spiritual significance. Join art historian Matthew Palczynski for the first lecture in this four-part series as he examines Albert Bierstadt's sweeping landscapes of the American West, Albrecht Dürer's detailed studies of flowers and plants and Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious rock formations in "The Virgin of the Rocks." Discover how artists use scale, detail and composition to transform the natural world into images of discovery, endurance and creation.
This lecture is the first in a series of four lectures. To attend the full series, please also enroll in
"Air & Art — Capturing the Invisible" (#31251) on Tuesday, May 11, 2027, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT),
"Fire & Art — Flames of Judgment & Renewal" (#31252) on Tuesday, May 18, 2027, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), and
"Water & Art — Paradise, Power & Reflection" (#31253) on Tuesday, May 25, 2027, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT). The cost is $25 per lecture. Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.
Matthew Palczynski
Matthew Palczynski is an art history lecturer, consultant, curator, and educator. With a Ph.D. in art history and a focus on vanguard art after around 1850, he leads programs for academic, corporate, and nonprofit organizations around the world. His talks include those for Renaissance Weekend, Stanford University, The Wharton School, Cunard, and United Airlines. Matt is an adjunct senior instructor at The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, and has taught at the Tyler School of Art since 2004.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program