Custodians of Taste: Pauline Karpidas and the Women who Shape the Art World
Join us at Sotheby’s for a special talk which will explore the remarkable collecting journey of Pauline Karpidas, one of the most influential art patrons of the past fifty years. Ahead of Sotheby’s landmark sale of her extraordinary Surrealist collection this September, collector Tiquio Acentio, curator Jasper Sharp, and Sotheby’s Worldwide Chairman of Impressionist and Modern Art Helena Newman will join broadcaster and art historian Kate Bryan to reflect on Karpidas’ unique eye, her friendships with artists, and the broader role of women as cultural custodians. From Peggy Guggenheim to Dominique de Menil and beyond, women collectors have long shaped the direction of modern and contemporary art. What drives them? How do personal connections influence collecting? And how does a home become a curated world? With insights into the upcoming auction and the stories behind the works, this talk will offer a portrait of a life in art – and celebrate those who collect with connoisseurship, curiosity and conviction.
This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in September 2025.
And, 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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On today’s episode, we turn our attention to women artists — and the shifting dynamics of their place in the art market. This conversation unpacks the key findings of our latest Insight Report, which explores the growing presence and influence of women artists in Modern and Contemporary art.
Joining the discussion are Anders Petterson, founder and managing director of ArtTactic and co-author of the report; Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund; Christian Levett, collector and founder of the Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins; and Ottilie Windsor, Head of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s London. Together, they explore how the presence and influence of women artists in Modern and Contemporary art is evolving, and what this means for collectors, institutions and the market at large.
The report was produced in collaboration with ArtTactic and made possible by Sotheby’s Financial Services, whose mission is to empower collectors through asset-backed lending solutions.
This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in June 2025.
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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The Scream Heard Around the World, with Simon Shaw
More than a masterpiece, The Scream has become a cultural icon. Simon Shaw, Senior Advisor, Impressionist & Modern Art, oversaw the landmark auction of the work, a sale that offers insight into today’s art market and shows how the piece resonates with a universal human truth.
Further details about the episode subject
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.
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Rise of Carrington and the Female Surrealists, with Julian Dawes
When Les Distractions de Dagobert shattered records, it marked not only a market milestone but also a shift in interest toward the female Surrealist market. Julian Dawes, Vice Chairman and Head of Impressionist & Modern Art New York and a driving force behind this shift, reflects on Carrington’s ascent and what it reveals about changing tides in collecting.
Further details about the episode subject
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.
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
For almost three centuries, Sotheby’s has been the place to discover the greatest stories of creativity. We’ve been the temporary custodians of some of the world’s finest treasures, which you can see on display in our galleries on any given day. Sotheby’s Talks is the podcast that celebrates art, culture, and collecting. Featuring conversations with tastemakers, collectors and luminaries from the world of art and culture, this series invites you inside the world of Sotheby’s: a place where you can find the extraordinary – including contemporary art, Old Master paintings, rare books, jewellery, and memorabilia. Season 2, which focuses on legacy, features guests including Bella Freud, Joachim Pissarro, Paul Signac’s great granddaughter Charlotte Hellman and Claude Monet’s great-great grandson Philippe Piguet. 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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