Getty Prize news; first photographers; what’s a tondo?

The mysteries of early photography

Getty scientists are studying early photographic processes and techniques so that examples of the earliest photographs might be better cared for and displayed—thereby preserving them, and what they picture, for generations to come. The work of Hercule Florence and Hippolyte Bayard especially intrigues the researchers.

How two 19th-century photographers kept their work from disappearing into oblivion

Visual artist Mark Bradford wins the 2024 Getty Prize

Getty has announced the next recipient of its annual Getty Prize: Los Angeles based artist Mark Bradford. Formerly known as the “Getty Medal,” the award recognizes leaders in the cultural fields whose work expands human understanding and appreciation of arts and culture. Beginning this year, the award will go to a single person who can then recognize the work of a nonprofit with a $500,000 grant from Getty.

Read more about Mark Bradford and the Getty Prize

Look at this lovely tondo

When you think of a painting, what shape do you see? Probably not a circle—though the “tondo,” from the Italian “rotondo” (round), is a more popular format than you’d imagine. Sure, the rectangle is the most common canvas shape; but circular art has been decorating interiors for millennia.

Read on or watch a Jessie video about the long history of circular art

Give the gift of art this holiday season

Discover artful and unique gifts from the Getty Museum Store for everyone on your list. Categories include jewelry, home décor, art books, educational toys, and luxury items. Every purchase benefits Getty programs.

Shop the holiday gift guide

Now on view

The holiday season is a great time to treat friends and family, or just your frazzled self, to a free Getty show.

Getty Center:

Sheila Metzner: From Life

William Blake: Visionary

Arthur Tress: Rambles, Dreams, and Shadows

Alfredo Boulton: Looking at Venezuela, 1928–1978

Finding an Audience: Nineteenth Century Drawings

Graphic Design in the Middle Ages

Getty Villa Museum:

The Egyptian Book of the Dead

The Horse and Rider from Albania

The Gold Emperor from Aventicum

All Getty exhibitions on view

Artist at Work: Papyrus Making

Saturday, December 2, 11:00 am–3:00 pm

Getty Villa Museum, Outer Peristyle

Join local Egyptologist Marissa Stevens to discover how ancient papyrus paper was made. You’ll also explore the many uses of the papyrus plant in ancient Egypt and in the exhibition The Egyptian Book of the Dead.

Learn more about this free drop-in workshop

Companion workshop: Papyrus Scroll Making

Light Catcher Family Workshop

Sunday, December 3, 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Getty Center, Museum Entrance Hall

Create your own light catcher inspired by the Getty’s stained glass collection and discover how to make art using light and color with artist Stephanie Godoy.

Learn more about this free drop-in workshop

Music & Design: Mid-Century Venezuela

Saturday, December 9, 3:00–5:00 pm
Getty Center, Museum Lecture Hall and Museum Courtyard

Join us for a Latin jazz performance led by Aaron Serfaty celebrating Alfredo Boulton: Looking at Venezuela, 1928–1978. After the music curators Jorge Rivas Pérez and Idurre Alonso discuss Boulton’s use of mid-century modern and historical Venezuelan traditions in the design of his vacation house. You can also enjoy complimentary bites and see the exhibition. 

Learn more and get free tickets

Gala Porras-Kim: Film Screening and Conversation with Sanchita Balachandran

Tuesday, December 12, 3:00 pm
Getty Center and online

In the latest documentary in Getty’s Artist Dialogues series, Gala Porras-Kim, Getty artist in residence from 2020 to 2022, describes her history, process, and interest in the biases inherent in museum practices deemed “scientific.” After the screening, the artist discusses her work with conservator Sanchita Balachandran, director of the Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum.

Learn more and get free tickets