Have you ever wondered why there are gherkins in the 15th century paintings by Carlo Crivelli, next to the Virgin Mary? Or why there is a massive, big, fat fly on the woman’s headdress in the double portrait by the Master of Frankfurt? Or why Mary Magdalene sometimes looks like she has a lot of body hair?

Were these artists and their patrons just having a laugh or was this a serious matter? This talk will answer some questions I  am sure you’ve had when visiting museums (I know I have) but were too polite to ask! 

Get ready to be surprised, moved and delighted as you finally find out what some of the strangest symbolic additions in traditional Western European paintings actually mean.

Please, note:

• the total duration of the event is 1 hour ( ~ 50mins lecture and 10mins Q&A)
• the talk doesn’t require any prior training and anyone can join
• This event will be recorded: the video will be available in 3-5 days after the talk
• Guests can access all videos at a small fee; videos for members are free of charge
• if you wish to become a member – please, learn about our membership plans

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SPEAKER – MARISKA BEEKENKAMP-WLADIMIROFF

Originally schooled as a psychologist in the Netherlands, Mariska Beekenkamp-Wladimiroff turned to the arts when starting a family in London. Specialising in the Dutch Golden Age of Art at the Courtauld Institute of Art, Mariska now delivers talks for a number of organisations, including her own company Art Historical London. Art Historical London offers art historical lectures, museum visits, courses, tours, travel and events from Amsterdam, London and New York, and since 2020 online. 

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