Stories of Art

Vincent van Gogh: The Outcast (Part 1)

Why are the paintings of Vincent van Gogh so universally popular? And how close did Vincent come to being a preacher instead of an artist? Join Alastair and James in the first of four episodes charting the life and work of the man who has come to define our idea of the struggling, tortured artist - Vincent van Gogh.If you want to see the artworks discussed in this episode you can switch on video in your podcast app at any time.Artworks in this episode:Vincent van Gogh, Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, 1889, The Courtauld Gallery, LondonVincent van Gogh, Pollard Birches, 1884, Van Gogh Museum, AmsterdamVincent van Gogh, The Potato Eaters, 1885, Van Gogh Museum, AmsterdamThanks to Thames & Hudson for Vincent van Gogh: A Life in Letters, 2022For more great art content visit www.heni.com or visit the Heni Talks YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@HENITalksHosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James FoxAdditional Research: Catherine IngramProducer and Editor: Ben HardingExecutive Producer: Emma Cahusac

Alberto Giacometti: The Rise of Stick Man (Part 2)

How does the art of Alberto Giacometti manage to encapsulate the angst of the human condition? And did he really have an affair with one of the greatest film stars of the 20th century - Marlene Dietrich? Join Alastair and James as they wrestle with the mysterious power that lies at the heart of Alberto Giacometti's art.'Alberto Giacometti. Faces and Landscapes of Home', Hauser & Wirth St. Moritz, 13 December 2025 – 28 March 2026If you want to see the artworks discussed in this episode you can switch on video in your podcast app at any time.Artworks in this episode:Alberto Giacometti, Dog, 1951 [cast 1957]Alberto Giacometti, Man Pointing, 1947Alberto Giacometti, Walking Man I, 1960Alberto Giacometti, Caroline, 1961Photo Credit: Emmy Andriesse, Alberto Giacometti, 1948For more great art content visit www.heni.com or visit the Heni Talks YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@HENITalksHosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James FoxAdditional Research: Laura SovillaProducer and Editor: Ben HardingExecutive Producer: Emma Cahusac

Alberto Giacometti: The Boy from the Mountains (Part 1)

Why do many regard the Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti as the greatest sculptor of the 20th century? And why did he spectacularly fall out with the leader of the Surrealist movement, André Breton? Join Alastair and James as they explore the austere and often bizarre world of Alberto Giacometti.'Alberto Giacometti. Faces and Landscapes of Home', Hauser & Wirth St. Moritz, 13 December 2025 – 28 March 2026If you want to see the artworks discussed in this episode you can switch on video in your podcast app at any time.Artworks in this episode:Alberto Giacometti, Walking Man I, 1960Alberto Giacometti, Spoon Woman, 1927Alberto Giacometti, Suspended Ball, 1930-31Alberto Giacometti, The Palace at 4 a.m., 1932Alberto Giacometti, Woman with Her Throat Cut (Femme égorgée), 1932For more great art content visit www.heni.com or visit the Heni Talks YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@HENITalksHosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James FoxAdditional Research: Laura SovillaProducer and Editor: Ben HardingExecutive Producer: Emma Cahusac

Vermeer's First Masterpiece: The Milkmaid

Who was Vermeer? And why is his painting of a humble kitchen maid considered one of the greatest achievements of the Dutch Golden Age? Is The Milkmaid laden with hidden religious and erotic meanings, or simply a perfectly realised depiction of everyday life? Join Alastair and James as they unravel the many mysteries of Vermeer's first masterpiece.If you want to see the artworks discussed in this episode you can switch on video in your podcast app at any time. Artworks in this episode:Johannes Vermeer, The Milkmaid, 1657-58, Rijksmuseum, AmsterdamGerard ter Borch, The Letter, 1660-65, The Royal Collection, LondonJan Steen, The Feast of St. Nicholas, 1663-65, Rijksmuseum, AmsterdamCarel Fabritius, A View of Delft, with a Musical Instrument Seller's Stall, 1652, The National Gallery, LondonJohannes Vermeer, Saint Praxedis, c.1655, National Museum of Western Art, TokyoJohannes Vermeer, The Procuress, 1656, Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, DresdenJohannes Vermeer, Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window, c. 1657-59, Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, DresdenDomenico Fiasella, Queen Artemisia, c. 1645, Private CollectionFor more great art content visit www.heni.com or visit the Heni Talks YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@HENITalksHosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James FoxAdditional Research: Catherine Ingram and Laura SovillaProducer and Editor: Ben HardingExecutive Producer: Emma Cahusac00:00 Introduction: The Milkmaid05:35 The Dutch Golden Age and Delft08:57 Vermeer's Early Life and Family21:51 Vermeer's Early Works28:19 Analyzing The Milkmaid45:22 Meaning and Interpretation1:02:41 The 1660s: Vermeer at His Peak1:03:31 The Disaster Year and Vermeer's Death

Frida Kahlo: A Star is Born (Part 3)

What led to Frida Kahlo's early death? And with Frida mania in full swing, have we now reached peak Frida? Join Alastair and James in the final episode on the life and work of the great Mexican artist, as they explore her difficult final years and her extraordinary afterlife. Frida: The Making of an Icon is on at Tate Modern, London until 3rd January 2027.If you want to see the artworks discussed in this episode you can switch on video in your podcast app at any time. Artworks in this episode: Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair, 1940, The Museum of Modern Art, New YorkFrida Kahlo, The Broken Column, 1944, Museo Dolores Olmedo, Xochimilco, Mexico CityFrida Kahlo, The Wounded Deer, 1946, Private collectionFor more great art content visit www.heni.com or visit the Heni Talks YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@HENITalksHosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James FoxAdditional Research: Catherine Ingram and Laura SpadaProducer and Editor: Ben HardingExecutive Producer: Emma Cahusac