Look Who it Was Random video

Stephen Eisenman: The Cry of Nature

1,651 views · Published 19 October 2013 · 57:08 · Indexed 5 October 2026

Channel: Chicago Humanities · 2013 · Nonprofits & Activism

Watch on YouTube

Art history brims with images of pain and suffering that transcend the species divide. Consider Pablo Picasso's Guernica, created in 1937 to protest the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War. Its animals—a bull, a bird, and the prominent horse in the middle of the painting—are integral to the work's meaning. In fact, it may be argued that the picture tells the story of the Nazi bombing of the Basque village from the horse's point of view. Northwestern University art historian Stephen Eisenman's forthcoming book "The Cry of Nature" examines Guernica along with many other artworks from the last 300 years to tell the story of artists' engagement with and empathy for animals. Join Eisenman for a guided talk of that history.

The annual Richard Gray Visual Art Series recognizes a significant gift from founding CHF board member and distinguished art dealer Richard Gray. Additional support is provided by the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.

Video produced by Pentimenti Productions.

More from this channel