Online Lecture: Fire & Art — Flames of Judgment & Renewal

Fire illuminates and consumes, offering artists a powerful way to express danger, transformation and renewal. Join art historian Matthew Palczynski for the third lecture in this four-part series as he explores flames and infernal imagery in Giotto's "Last Judgment" at the Scrovegni Chapel and Michelangelo's "Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel. Discover how these artists use color, light and dramatic movement to give visual form to punishment, fear and divine power. Consider fire's contrasting meanings as a source of warmth, creative energy and renewal, as well as a force beyond human control.

This lecture is the third in a series of four lectures. To attend the full series, please also enroll in "Earth & Art — From Flowers to Mountains" (#31250) on Tuesday, May 4, 2027, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), "Air & Art — Capturing the Invisible" (#31251) on Tuesday, May 11, 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.