Big-money art attracts big-money criminals. Expert on art fraud and former FBI agent Robert Wittman provides a closeup view of some of the notorious heists and daring recovery operations he worked on as an agent.
Emma Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Elliot, and the Dashwood sisters may be fictional heroines, but their creator Jane Austen set their adventures in romance against the very real social and historical backdrop of Regency England. Art historian Bonita Billman brings the era to life as she surveys Regency manners and fashions, the personalities who dominated the public imagination, and the stylish spa town of Bath, where many of Austen’s characters made appearances. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1 credit)
Florence nurtured an unceasing succession of great artists for centuries, but among its hundreds and hundreds of Renaissance masterpieces, which are considered the most significant? Renaissance art historian Elaine Ruffolo offers an in-depth look at three paintings and why she considers them the most important in the city. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
Italy and its superb cuisine draw hungry visitors from all over the world. European travel expert Rick Steves joins Fred Plotkin, a specialist in Italian cuisine and culture, for a deep dive into many of Italy’s secret culinary pleasures. Their shared insights about hidden gems ensure that your next trip to Italy is delizioso.
Modern scientists are slowly unlocking Stonehenge’s secrets, but the stone circle remains a uniquely iconic enigma. Kelly Beatty, senior editor at Sky and Telescope magazine, discusses these new developments and the enduring mystery of Stonehenge.
There’s likely a cunning top-of-the-food-chain predator living close by you: the Great Horned Owl. Join naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw to learn how to find these amazing and beautiful animals and other owls in your own neighborhood.
Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, enjoy outstanding live performances of great jazz music by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. This in-person concert delves into the vocal styling of legendary blues singers Mamie (“Queen of the Blues”) Smith and Bessie (“Empress of the Blues”) Smith.
