Audio From The Met

Spinario’s Thorn: “Writers Are Reaching for Our Thorns” | Spotlight


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Watch award-winning author Min Jin Lee bring a fresh perspective to an ancient image of a boy pulling a thorn from his foot—Spinario—rendered exquisitely by the artist Antico. Lee’s reflections on the daily struggle of being an artist is honest and moving, and invites a close look at and careful consideration of the Spinario itself.

Featured artwork: Spinario (Boy Pulling a Thorn from His Foot) by Antico (Pier Jacopo Alari Bonacolsi), probably modeled by 1496, cast ca. 1501

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The Spotlight series features new perspectives on a single work from The Met collection. Familiar and celebrated works serve as the focal point for dialogue—posing questions, building understanding, and conveying how the presence of the work in the Museum has altered, limited, or enhanced the work’s interpretation. The series explores different ways of knowing and relates to themes beyond art and museums through the expertise and personal experience of invited guests.

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Audio From The MetBy The Metropolitan Museum of Art