Juan de Pareja by Diego Velázquez

Juan de Pareja by Velazquez

What makes the Juan de Pareja by Diego Velázquez an important painting?

– The enslaved artist follows us with his eyes
– A lace collar tops a soldier’s ensemble
– Preparation for the Pope’s portrait

Government Bureau (1956) by George Tooker

Government-Bureau by George Tooker

Why does George Tooker’s painting Government Bureau creep me out?

– Anonymous features, faces and figures
– Porthole windows for communications
– Fluorescent lighting, beige carpet, and a grey void

Cathedrals of Art by Florine Stettheimer

Cathedrals of Art by Florine Stettheimer

What makes Cathedrals of Art by Florine Stettheimer such an iconic painting?

– Monster in the middle
– Stettheimer as cultural iconoclast
– Bouquets as trademark – an outsider inside

Max Beckmann’s The Beginning

Max Beckmann's The Beginning

What’s the story behind Max Beckmann’s The Beginning?

– Chaos and control in the living room
– Puss in Boots takes one for the team
– Future fantasies behind a window