Become an instant expert on…the art and life of the brilliant Sir Henry Raeburn

Sir Henry Raeburn was the leading Scottish portraitist of his time, with a dazzling aptitude for capturing the character of his sitters. Our expert, Amanda Herries, is curator of a new show of works by the artist. Here she reveals the core facts about his life and portraits, which should, she says, be known far better

Become an instant expert on...Oleksandr Bohomazov, the ‘lost’ Futurist artist of Ukraine

Oleksandr Bohomazov was a pioneer of early 20th-century Ukrainian avant-garde. Yet despite his standing in the arts his name, until recent times, has been lost in history. Our expert, James Butterwick, explores the story of his art, life and powerful relationship with the woman who unlocked his creativity and saved his legacy

Become an instant expert on…the tale of women artists and the Royal Academy

How was it that one of Britain’s august art institutions went from having two female artists among its founders to excluding women artists for centuries? Our expert, Dr Amy Lim, reveals the details of one of the most important chapters in the history of British women artists

Become an instant expert on…art, music and the body

Making music is an embodied activity, something made by human bodies – and in the history of art we see humans making music again and again. Such lyrical works can come with complex meanings. Our expert, Dr Matt Wates, reveals some prime examples

Become an instant expert on…Australian Aboriginal art

Australian Aboriginal art is one of the most fascinating art forms in history. Rebecca Hossack, expert in this field, reveals the key things you need to know about the medium

Become an instant expert on…‘firsts’ in art

When did the earliest lifelike teardrop appear in a painting? Or the original kiss, or butterfly? For the first month of the year, we ask John-Paul Stonard to reveal his five ‘firsts’ in the history of art

Become an instant expert on…the art of the table

Artists have always had a fascination for scenes of food and feasting. As the holiday season of gatherings is here, our expert, Nicole Mezey, invites you to feast your eyes on some of the best – and most bizarre – examples of artworks that celebrate dining

Become an instant expert on...Oscar Wilde in theatreland

Theatre is ‘the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being’, said Oscar Wilde. Our expert, Simon Whitehouse, reveals the impact the dramatist, writer and wit had on London’s West End

Become an instant expert on…the performance art of Marina Abramović

Known across the globe for her electrifying, moving, often dangerous performances, Marina Abramović is one of the most outstanding artists of her generation. As a new exhibition of her works has just opened at the Royal Academy, London, our expert, Helen Oakden, reveals key things to know about this art world icon and her medium

Become an instant expert on…Rubens and the women in his art

There’s a popular assumption that the artist Peter Paul Rubens only painted one type of woman: the voluptuous ‘Rubenesque’. A new exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery is the first to challenge that thinking. Its co-curator, Arts Society Lecturer Amy Orrock, reveals the story

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