The Specialist

Latest Episodes:

Yo, Picasso, with Samuel Valette Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

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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.

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Louise Bourgeois's Spider, with Katia Mindlin Leite-Barbosa Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

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.

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The Fabergé Imperial Coronation Egg and Coach, with Helen Culver Smith Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

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

The Coin Worth More Than Its Weight in Gold, with Selby Kiffer and David Tripp Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

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

From Canvas to Canon: Joan Mitchell’s King of Spades, with Courtney Kremers Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

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

Frederic Edwin Church’s Lost Masterpiece, with Stefany Morris Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

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

When Photography Became Art, with Emily Bierman Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

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.

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The Original Birkin, with Morgane Halimi Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Jackie O's Faux Pearls, with Frank Everett Feb 18, 2026

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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

The Manet and The Auction Maestro, with Harry Rosebery Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

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

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