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The Specialist

Sotheby's

Sotheby’s is the temporary custodian of some of the world’s most rare, remarkable and coveted art and objects. Our global specialists are connoisseurs and market experts in 40 countries and 70 collecting categories. They will be your guides, exploring the significance and journey of an extraordinary work with those who know it best. Your weekly dose of wonder is available now.

To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com.

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20 episodes
Avg 11 min
English

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April 14 · 10 min
Yo, Picasso, with Samuel Valette
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 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
April 7 · 10 min
Louise Bourgeois's Spider, with Katia Mindlin Leite-Barbosa
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 Bourgeois 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 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
March 31 · 10 min
The Fabergé Imperial Coronation Egg and Coach, with Helen Culver Smith
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. 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
March 25 · 14 min
The Coin Worth More Than Its Weight in Gold, with Selby Kiffer and David Tripp
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 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
March 18 · 12 min
From Canvas to Canon: Joan Mitchell’s King of Spades, with Courtney Kremers
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 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
March 11 · 11 min
Frederic Edwin Church’s Lost Masterpiece, with Stefany Morris
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 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
March 4 · 11 min
When Photography Became Art, with Emily Bierman
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 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
February 25 · 11 min
The Original Birkin, with Morgane Halimi
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 Sotheby's 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 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
February 18 · 10 min
Jackie O's Faux Pearls, with Frank Everett
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 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
February 11 · 11 min
The Manet and The Auction Maestro, with Harry Rosebery
On today’s episode, we explore 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. The visionary Chairman Peter Wilson was the architect of this convergence of the worlds of art and society. The story is told by Harry Rosebery, Honorary Chairman of Sotheby’s UK, who embodies this tradition today. Often seen at the rostrum of major philanthropic auctions, he has played a leading role in many of the most significant collections of the last quarter century. 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
February 4 · 12 min
Tiffany Windows: From Sanctuary to Spotlight, with Jodi Pollack
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 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
January 28 · 12 min
The Codex Sassoon: Jewel of the Judaica Library, with Sharon Liberman Mintz
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. 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
January 21 · 1 min
The Specialist Icons: Coming Soon
Introducing The Specialist: Icons. This season, inspired by Sotheby’s new book Icons published by Phaidon, we explore treasures whose journeys define not only their own histories, but the shifting story of taste, value, and culture. Quality, rarity, and provenance play their part - yet some objects captivate the imagination for reasons beyond the ordinary. In each episode, we explore their significance and impact, through the eyes of those who know them best. The Specialist Icons - coming on January 28th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
January 14 · 10 min
Oprah and Agnes Gund: Art for the Next Generation, with Charlotte Van Dercook
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. 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
January 7 · 12 min
The Declaration of Independence: 250 Years of the United States, with Selby Kiffer
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. 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
Dec 31, 2025 · 10 min
The Ostrich that François-Xavier Lalanne Hid in his Bedroom, with Florent Jeanniard
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. 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
Dec 24, 2025 · 10 min
Collecting Time: The Market Life of a Patek Philippe, with Sam Hines
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. 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
Dec 17, 2025 · 10 min
The Anonymous Altarpiece: Decoding a Renaissance Enigma, with Alex Bell
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. 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
Dec 10, 2025 · 13 min
The Contingency Lunar Sample Return Bag: An Apollo 11 Treasure, with Cassandra Hatton
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. 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
Dec 3, 2025 · 13 min
The Collector and the Ceramicist: Sydney Denton and Magdalene Odundo, with Julia Fischel
On today’s episode, Julia Fischel, Sotheby's Head of the Modern Art Day Sale in London, examines the trailblazing impact of Dame Magdalene Odundo, a Kenyan-born British potter, who redefined the field of contemporary ceramics. Her sculptural vessels set new records for the medium at the auction of visionary collector Sydney Denton, one of her greatest 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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