MUSEUM SECRETS: A Miniature Masterpiece

“At first glance, we might assume that this copy of a German print belongs in the Ashmolean’s collections of European art. But no. This is an Indian drawing, and is housed here in the Eastern Art department. And it’s not just any Indian drawing, but one of the greatest of the Mughal Empire."⁠⁠

In the series 2 finale of our Museum Secrets podcast, Keeper of Eastern Art Mallica Kumbera Landrus introduces us to the child genius behind this tiny drawing. This piece of paper, only 10cm high, tells a story of cultures embracing each other across vast distances and the curiosity of one exceptional 13-year-old boy in Mughal India, 421 years ago. ⁠

⁠Listen to ‘A Miniature Masterpiece’ here, or wherever you find your podcasts. -> https://www.ashmolean.org/museum-secrets

MUSEUM SECRETS: Toad Vaccines and Magical Jewellery

In today’s episode of our Museum Secrets podcast, join Curator Matthew Winterbottom as he explores ancient beliefs about disease testing and vaccines, through our collection of toadstone rings.

These bizarre pieces of jewellery have a lot to tell us about the human effort to find hope in the face of illness and uncertainty, even when it involves the strangest superstitions. And at the end of the day, it turns out that toadstones have nothing to do with toads after all…

Listen here or wherever you find your podcasts: ashmolean.org/museum-secrets

MUSEUM SECRETS: Rules for Life

“This year, we have all had to come to terms with loneliness and with the interiors of our own rooms. And when it has been a struggle, I’ve tried to remember this painting, and Gwen John’s Rules for Life. They are a reminder that there are some joys to be found in solitude, and that staying at home can liberate your imagination."⁠

In this week’s episode of Museum Secrets, we take a look at an understated little painting by Gwen John which hides complex depths, and learn about the artist’s inspiring Rules for Life, found written in her notebooks.⁠

Listen here, or wherever you find your podcasts: https://www.ashmolean.org/museum-secrets

⁠The Convalescent by Gwen John, c. 1919 - 1926. Oil on Canvas. ⁠