Intelligence Squared: Arts & Culture

Episoder

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  The Specialist | Yo, Picasso, with Samuel Valette 14.04.2026 10min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, an early self portrait by an artist whose place within the modern canon needs no qualification. Sam Valette explores the remarkable trajectory of Pablo Picasso’s Yo, Picasso. Sam is Sotheby's Vice Chairman, Head of Private Sales for Europe and the Middle East and is known for brokering the sale of some of the most sought after Masterpieces of modern art, both privately and at auctions. ⁠Further details about the episode subject Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | Louise Bourgeois's Spider, with Katia Mindlin Leite-Barbosa 07.04.2026 10min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the monumental arachnid that marked a record-setting moment for a sculpture by a woman artist. Katia Mindlin Leite-Barbosa examines the Louise Bourgeis 21-ft Spider and the intrepid voyage to bring it to the sale room.Katia is President and Managing Director of Sotheby's Brazil. She is the author of titles on Istanbul and the Brazilian art market, and serves on several boards across the country. ⁠Further details about the episode subject Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Fabergé Imperial Coronation Egg and Coach, with Helen Culver Smith 31.03.2026 10min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the coveted Fabergé egg whose interior reveals an intricate surprise. Helen Culver Smith, Sotheby's Head of Decorative Arts Worldwide and Head, traces the remarkable journey of the Imperial Coronation Egg, originally presented to the Romanov family, and the dramatic struggle for its acquisition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Coin Worth More Than Its Weight in Gold, with Selby Kiffer and David Tripp 25.03.2026 14min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the extraordinary saga of the 1933 Double Eagle, America’s last gold coin; stolen, smuggled, and seized. Selby Kiffer is Sotheby's Senior International Specialist of Books and Manuscripts. Over the last half century, he has overseen the sale of many of the most celebrated private libraries offered at auction. A lecturer and expert, with a unique knowledge of Americana, he has also handled significant letters by Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. Selby is joined by David Tripp, former Director of Sotheby’s Coin, Tapestry and Musical Instruments departments and widely recognised as the leading expert on the Double Eagle. ⁠Further details about the episode subject⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | From Canvas to Canon: Joan Mitchell’s King of Spades, with Courtney Kremers 18.03.2026 12min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the female pioneer of abstract expressionism whose lyrical compositions came to reset market expectations. Courtney Kremers examines King of Spades, Joan Mitchell’s formative masterpiece, which signalled the convergence of her critical acclaim and market recognition. Courtney is Vice Chairman, Sotheby's New York, and oversees strategy for Private Sales across fine art categories, and advises major clients on acquisitions and consignments. ⁠Further details about the episode subject⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | Frederic Edwin Church’s Lost Masterpiece, with Stefany Morris 11.03.2026 11min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the story of Frederic Edwin Church’s elusive magnum opus, The Icebergs (The North). This painting was hidden from view for nearly a century. Stefany Morris, Sotheby's Head of American Art, recounts its dramatic rediscovery and the record breaking sale that cemented its status as an icon. Further details about the episode subject Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | When Photography Became Art, with Emily Bierman 04.03.2026 11min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, Emily Bierman, Sotheby's Global Head of Prints & Photographs, examines Edward Steichen’s The Pond - Moonlight, a seminal turn of the century photograph whose technical innovation transformed the status of the medium. ⁠Further details about the episode subject⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Original Birkin, with Morgane Halimi 25.02.2026 11min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, Morgane Halimi takes us into the world of Jane Birkin and the birth of the iconic bag that bears her name. Morgane is Global Head of Handbags and Fashion and brings a decade of expertise, acquired in both auction houses and the second hand luxury e-commerce market. ⁠Further details about the episode subject⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | Jackie O's Faux Pearls, with Frank Everett 18.02.2026 10min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, Frank Everett, Sotheby's Vice Chairman, Jewelry Americas, discusses the string of faux pearls that belonged to the legendary Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Estimated at $500-$700, it was the power of provenance that drove them to sell for over $200,000. Frank is largely self-taught and moved through the major jewelry houses before joining Sotheby’s, where his knowledge of the design and history of great period jewels has led him to oversee record-breaking sales. He has his own popular video series - Frank's Files - and a cult following. ⁠Further details about the episode subject⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Manet and The Auction Maestro, with Harry Rosebery 11.02.2026 11min

   This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the story of the Manet self-portrait at the heart of the Goldschmidt sale - a moment of innovation in the art market as the first ever evening auction, told by Harry Rosebery, Honorary Chairman, Sotheby’s UK. Further details about the episode subject Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | Tiffany Windows: From Sanctuary to Spotlight, with Jodi Pollack 04.02.2026 12min

   This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today's episode: two Tiffany Studios windows, two recording-breaking sales, and the story of the creators behind them both - Louis Comfort Tiffany, pioneer of American stained glass, and Agnes Northrup, one of his most gifted collaborators - whose achievements have been brought into the light by Jodi Pollack, Chairman, Co-Worldwide Head of 20th Century Design New York and Chairman of Sotheby's Major Collections Division. ⁠Further details about the episode subject Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Codex Sassoon: Jewel of the Judaica Library, with Sharon Liberman Mintz 28.01.2026 12min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the Codex Sassoon, which set a historic record in 2023 as the most valuable manuscript ever sold at auction. Once part of collector David Solomon Sassoon’s legendary Judaica library, it is the earliest most complete Hebrew Bible known to exist. Sharon Liberman Mintz is the Senior International Specialist for Judaica at Sotheby’s, where she has guided the sales of rare Hebrew manuscripts and printed books for more than three decades. ⁠Further details about the episode subject.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | Oprah and Agnes Gund: Art for the Next Generation, with Charlotte Van Dercook 14.01.2026 10min

   This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, we acknowledge with great respect the recent passing of the visionary philanthropist, Agnes Gund. Her extraordinary patronage – from her leadership at MoMA to her unwavering support of contemporary artists – forms one of the defining legacies in the art world today. Charlotte Van Dercook, Sotheby’s Head of Marquee Private Sales, explores By Women, For Tomorrow’s Women — the first all-women artist benefit auction, championed by Gund and Oprah Winfrey. Further details about the episode subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Declaration of Independence: 250 Years of the United States, with Selby Kiffer 07.01.2026 12min

   This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, Selby Kiffer, Sotheby's Senior International Specialist of Books and Manuscripts, tells the story of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence found in a flea market and the meticulous process of authentication that brought it to auction. Over the last half century, he has overseen the sale of many of the most celebrated private libraries offered at auction. A lecturer and expert, with a unique knowledge of Americana, he has also handled significant letters by Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. Further details about the episode subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Ostrich that François-Xavier Lalanne Hid in his Bedroom, with Florent Jeanniard 31.12.2025 10min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, Florent Jeanniard, Sotheby's Chairman, Co-Worldwide Head of Design, Paris, dives into the surreal world of François-Xavier Lalanne. Le Bar aux Autruches, a whimsical fusion of sculpture and furniture, proved so intriguing for visitors to his home studio that Lalanne decided to hide it away in his bedroom. Further details about the episode subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | Collecting Time: The Market Life of a Patek Philippe, with Sam Hines 24.12.2025 10min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, the pivotal collector relationships that keep the market for rare watches ticking. Sam Hines, Sotheby's Global Chairman, Watches, explores the landmark sale of the only first-series Patek Philippe ref. 2499 to be signed by British-heritage luxury brand Asprey. Further details about the episode subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Anonymous Altarpiece: Decoding a Renaissance Enigma, with Alex Bell 17.12.2025 10min

   This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, what happens when a work of art is so enigmatic that you think about it for 60 years? Alex Bell, Chairman Emeritus of Sotheby's UK and Old Masters Worldwide, tells the story of how a mysterious Renaissance altarpiece entered the collection of the National Gallery in London as the museum celebrated its bi-centenary. ⁠Further details about the episode subject.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Contingency Lunar Sample Return Bag: An Apollo 11 Treasure, with Cassandra Hatton 10.12.2025 13min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman & Worldwide Head of Science and Natural History, examines the turbulent journey of the bag that brought back the first sample of the Moon — collected by Neil Armstrong on Apollo 11. She specialises in creating new markets, selling unique artefacts, and exploring what it means to put a price on history. Further details about the episode subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | The Collector and the Ceramicist: Sydney Denton and Magdalene Odundo, with Julia Fischel 03.12.2025 13min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. In today’s episode, Julia Fischel, Vice President, Head of Sale Sotheby's London, examines the trailblazing impact of Dame Magdalene Odundo and collector Sydney Denton. A Kenyan-born British potter, Odundo has redefined the field of contemporary ceramics. Her sculptural vessels set record prices during an auction for unconventional yet visionary collector Sydney Denton, who was one of her champions. Further details about the episode subject. The Specialist is brought to you by Sotheby's Financial Services. SFS offers asset-based loans to unlock the value of your fine art, automobiles and other luxury collectibles. To step further into the World of Sotheby’s, visit any one of our galleries, which are open to the public. Explore more at sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Specialist | Virgil Abloh’s Reimagining of the Iconic Nike Air Force 1 for Louis Vuitton, with Brahm Wachter 26.11.2025 11min

  This is an episode of The Specialist, your weekly dose of wonder. In The Specialist, explore the significance and journey of an extraordinary work through the eyes of those that know it best. On today’s episode, an auction built overnight - Virgil Abloh’s reimagining of the iconic Nike Air Force 1 for Louis Vuitton. The auction became a global phenomenon, with two hundred pairs sold exclusively through Sotheby’s, attracting bidders from more than 50 countries. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's Head of Modern Collectibles based in Los Angeles, orchestrated the sale. Further details about the episode subject. The Specialist is brought to you by Sotheby's Financial Services. SFS offers asset-based loans to unlock the value of your fine art, automobiles and other luxury collectibles.  To step further into the World of Sotheby’s, visit any one of our galleries, which are open to the public. Explore more at sothebys.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices