Every year on March 8th, International Women's Day brings us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of women in various fields of work and study. Despite facing numerous barriers and obstacles throughout history, women have made significant strides in the worlds of art, history, and science.
The scholars you're about to meet are just a few of the hundreds of trailblazing women who are making a difference in their respective fields here at Context.
Zooming in from different parts of the world and with diverse backgrounds, Context Experts all share a passion for their work and a dedication to sharing it with others.
Context Expert Since 2015
Dr. Alette Fleisher
Meet Dr. Alette Fleisher, she holds an MA in Art History from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, and a Ph.D. in the History of Science and Technology from the University of Twente, Enschede. For both her thesis and her dissertation, she researched the intricate relationship between nature, art, and science.
During her studies, she traveled to many sculpture parks, ornamental gardens, and botanical gardens. Alette has also curated several exhibitions, including "Black is Beautiful," which explores the representation of Black people throughout Dutch art history.
Context Expert Since 2018
Kate Bolton-Porciatti
Kate Bolton-Porciatti is a professor of Italian cultural history and music at the Istituto Lorenzo de'Medici in Florence. She teaches BA and MA courses in the humanities and lectures at the British Institute, Florence, and the Chigiana Music Academy in Siena.
Kate is a published academic and journalist, with extensive experience as a music critic for BBC Music and a travel writer for The Daily Telegraph, UK. Before moving to Italy permanently in 2005, she was a senior producer and broadcaster for BBC Arts & Classical Music in London, winning prestigious Jerusalem and Sony Awards for her programs.
Context Expert Since 2010
Livia Galante
Dr. Livia Galante is an expert in ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture. Livia holds a degree in Archaeology from the Sapienza University of Rome and a Master's degree in the History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Roma Tre.
But Livia's expertise isn't limited to ancient Rome; she's also well-versed in the art and architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. As a native Roman, Livia has a deep love and knowledge of her hometown that she enthusiastically shares with her clients. Whether you're interested in exploring the ruins of Ancient Rome or the ornate churches of the Renaissance, Livia is the perfect guide to help you discover the city's rich cultural heritage.
Context Expert Since 2012
Danielle Oteri
Danielle Oteri is an expert on Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance art. She's been leading tours and talks with Context since 2012 and was a lecturer at the Met Cloisters for fifteen years.
Danielle is the founder of Feast on History and Arthur Avenue Food Tours and has written about art, history, food, and travel for publications like Conde Nast Traveler, Gothamist, NPR, and Roads & Kingdoms. She's also the program director of the International Center of Medieval Art and a true Renaissance woman.
Context Expert Since 2010
Marie Dessaillen
Marie Dessaillen, the daughter of a sculptor, has been surrounded by art since birth. She's a native Parisienne with an undergraduate degree in history and art history, specializing in iconography and French and Flemish paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Marie also holds a Master's degree in museology from the Ecole du Louvre and one in Art History from the Sorbonne. She currently works for the French National Art History Institute on special cultural events and loves literature, ballet, theatre, opera, jazz clubs, and classical concerts. She has been leading tours with Context since 2010.
Our team of Museum Curators, College Professors, and Licensed Guides lead new seminars daily.
Curator, Art Historian | Based in Netherlands
Learn about art history's leading masterminds during a series of conversations spotlighting van Gogh, Cezanne and more.
Art Historian | Based in Venice
Expert in Venetian Art and so much more, Dr. Steer dazzles her spectators with in-depth knowledge, engaging storytelling, and passion for her subject matter.
Professor, Art Historian | Based in United States
Travel through the intersection of architecture and art. Discover the refined art of glass making and more in our upcoming conversations.
Enjoy learning new recipies, mastering old classics, and diving into the history of your favorite cocktails!
Author, Public Speaker | Based in United States
Go on a culinary journey around the world with food historian and James Beard-nominated author Francine Segan.
Professor at New York University | Based in United States
Diana provides insight into how American History affected and updated some very classic cocktails.
Italian Sommelier & Licensed Guide | Based in Italy
Cecilia has worked in the most famous enoteca of Venice. With her lectures, the wine world becomes less intimidating.
Licensed Archaoelogists, Blue Badge Guides, and Professors leading daily online seminars
Author, Professor | Based in United States
Study lingustics and the history of languages around the world.
Professor, Licensed Guide | Based in Greece
Wwatch cultures long gone come alive once more with Dimitra. She has appeared as a specialized Minoan archaeologist in two documentaries on Travel Channel and History Channel.
Professor of Caucaus Cultures | Based in the United States
Learn about oft-overlooked destinations in Central Europe, accompanied by an expert who was born in the Caucasus.
