Clockwise: "Watson and the Shark" by John Singleton Copley, 1778 (National Gallery of Art); Shaw Memorial by Augustus Saint-Gaudens (Photo: Paul Glenshaw); Auguste Rodin’s The Burghers of Calais, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: “150 Works of Art” (1996) by Valerie Fletcher); "The Railway", 1873 by Edouard Manet (National Gallery of Art)
Save when you purchase the Art + History: Evening Encores series!
If you’ve not experienced Paul Glenshaw’s daytime series Art + History, in which he examines great works of art in their historical context, now’s your chance. He reprises four of his most popular lectures in livestreamed evening programs through July and August. In each, he delves into the time of the artist, explores the present they inhabited, and what shaped their vision and creations, bringing the art and their creators to vivid life. Even if you’ve taken part in previous programs, you’ll find new insights in joining Glenshaw for another look at these timeless works.
Session Information
Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley
The epic story of John Singleton Copley's Watson and the Shark spans the globe from Havana to Boston to London. Drawing on biblical and classical sources, the artist recreated a dramatic, life-threatening moment from the experience of a young sailor, depicting both a place and a sea creature he had never seen. What brought this expatriate American painter living in London during the American War of Independence together with Brook Watson, who commissioned the work? Explore the interwoven stories of Copley and Watson from their lives as children in Boston Harbor, to the commission by Watson (later Lord Mayor of London) of the painting that made Copley's reputation.
Glenshaw is an artist, educator, author, and filmmaker with more than 30 years' experience working across disciplines in the arts, history, and sciences.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
Additional Sessions
Patron Information
- If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
- Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
- Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
- Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
- View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
