ArtBreak 2025-2026: Lunch & Lecture Program
ArtBreak: The Mysterious World of Old Masters
Whether you like delving into forensic evidence or prefer observing the patterns of human behavior these lectures are designed to awaken the sleuth in you. Referencing M&G’s collection, we’ll explore some of the “mysteries” of the art world—from the creative to the criminal.
Dates: 3rd Tuesdays at Noon, during academic year
Location: The Davis Room, Dixon-McKenzie Dining Common on the campus of Bob Jones University
Parking: reserved spaces will be available in M&G’s parking lot.
Note: AVI Fresh Catering will provide a Deli Bar with the following spread: sliced oven-roasted turkey, roasted beef, and ham, and tuna; a cheese and relish tray; a variety of baked breads and rolls, two green salads, chips, assorted cookies, and beverages.
Cost:
- Member without lunch: FREE
- Member with lunch: $17.00
- Non-member without lunch: $6.00
- Non-member with lunch: $19.00
Registration: Click on the dates below to register.
Fall Lectures:
October 21: The Investigation Begins
Register for lunch by Noon on Friday, October 10.
Although a cursory overview of the great masterworks is helpful in enriching a museum-goer’s experience, it is the “deeper dive” into exploring individual painters, their creative process, and the collectors who understood the value of their body of work that truly inspires. This week Christopher Apostle, International Head of Old Masters at Sotheby’s, will lay the foundation for uncovering clues that unlock some of these “mysteries.”
November 18: Who Did It?
Register for lunch by Noon on Friday, November 7.
Prior to the 15th century, artists were primarily viewed as anonymous craftsmen, but with the dawn of the Renaissance their role and influence began to change. Artists became more diligent in signing their work, and now hundreds of years later we can easily identify the painter of a masterpiece—or can we? This week John Nolan will look at the treasure trove of clues that may be found on the front (recto) and back (verso) of a painting—clues that can help us discern differences among original variations, legitimate copies, and studio versions of “a masterpiece.”
December 16: Lost Masters
Register for lunch by Noon on Friday, December 5.
Connoisseurship can play a vital role not only in the authentication of a masterwork but also in the rediscovery of a great master. This week, M&G Director of Education Donnalynn Hess and M&G Executive Director Erin Jones will look at how the obsession of one 19th-century collector led to the rediscovery of an “obscure Dutch painter” named Vermeer. We’ll also highlight some of the stories related to “gems” in our M&G collection.
