Virginia Fontaine fought continually for recognition—as a woman, a photographer, an art curator, and, perhaps most importantly, a liaison between beleaguered German artists and the outside world. Through journals, letters, and photographs, she recorded her uniquely intimate perspective on this period, amid an ever-changing constellation of artists and friends. Her daughter, Claudia Chidester joins us to talk about her new book about this remarkable woman, Trusted Eye: Post–World War II Adventures of a Fearless Art Advocate.
Fontaine documented her life from a young age: her struggles at Yale Art School, her year as a newlywed in the British Virgin Islands, and her employment in a munitions factory. Later, she helped the Jewish underground in Europe; traveled with gallerists throughout Germany, Switzerland, and France; tangled with the Monuments Men; and experienced the international reach of Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist pursuits.
Listen to this riveting discussion about a fascinating woman brought to life in a magnificent coffee table book.
Learn more about Virginia Fontaine and take a peek inside the book at Fontaine.org. Buy the book here.
Check out the Kirkus Review of PILATE'S FAITH, Alex's latest: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/j-alexander-greenwood/pilates-faith/
Order PILATE'S FAITH: https://amzn.to/3DWhyos. Buy Alex Greenwood's books on Amazon.com.
Opening and closing announcer: Mary McKenna. Listen to her guest appearance on the show here. You should hire Mary for your voiceover needs. Contact her at mmckennakc(at)gmail.com. Original outro theme music "Mysterious Goings On" by Jamie Green. Want your own cool score for your podcast or website? Contact Jamie at Greenhouse Consulting. Check out Jamie's interview on the show here.
This episode of the Mysterious Goings On Podcast was recorded and mixed at Green Shebeen Studios in beautiful Kansas City, Missouri. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.
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Claudia Chidester's Trusted Eye