Art History Lecture Series
Sunday, October 12, 2025
2:00 pm
MAC Auditorium
Cost: Suggested $10 donation, registration not required
In this 4-lecture series, Dr. Shimizu looks how images of Venus and her legacy has shaped ideals of beauty, love, and womanhood across centuries of art.
October's Lecture - Botticelli and The Birth of Venus
Botticelli's Birth of Venus is one of the most famous artworks from the Renaissance, but do we really understand what made it so new and so influential? This lecture will explore the meaning and impact of the painting in its original context and beyond.
Image: Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus, c.1484-1486. Tempera on canvas, 172. cm x 278.9 cm, Uffizi, Florence.
About the Program: Dr. Meredith Shimizu, Professor of Art History at Whitworth University, transports us across time and space in this lively lecture series at the MAC. These lectures delve into the significance of various art movements, key artists, and provide an understanding of the art's impact on society and history. Only one hour long, they are great for art enthusiasts, students, and life-long learners to deepen your appreciation and knowledge of art. Find out more about Dr. Shimizu, including past lecture topics, here.
Check out the other lectures in this series!
November 9 - The Reclining Venus: Looking Back
February 8 - Venus through the Feminist Lens
March 8 - Black Artists and Venus
Please note: This is a free program, no registration required. By making a payment on this page you are making a donation to help support this and other educational programs. Thank you for your donation!
All registration sales are final, refunds are not offered.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact PublicPrograms@northwestmuseum.org.