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Leonora Carrington. And Then We Saw the Daughter of the Minotaur. 1953 103

Oil on canvas, 23 5/8 × 27 9/16" (60 × 70 cm). Gift of Joan H. Tisch (by exchange). © 2024 Leonora Carrington / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Narrator, Zia: Hi, my name’s Zia. This painting we’re looking at is one of my favorites. It’s called And Then We Saw the Daughter of the Minotaur. The artist Leonora Carrington painted it in 1953.

Sometimes when I look at a painting, I like to imagine being inside of the scene. Wanna try it with me?

Okay, start by letting your eyes wander all over the painting. What stands out to you most? I notice that there are wispy clouds at the top, and two white dogs in the bottom right corner.

Now, come with me as we enter the painting. Imagine stepping straight in. The second your body touches the canvas, you shrink to the scale of the other figures and the scene comes alive with movement, sounds, and smells.

Let’s take some time to explore—don’t worry, we’re invisible so no one knows we’re here.

Move to a place within the room that feels good to you. If you’re like me, you might want to be in the center of the action.

Let’s move toward the table, near the two kids wearing black capes.

Now try picking up one of the glass orbs on the table. Notice how it feels in your hand. Is it heavy? Smooth? Cold?

Once you’ve set it down, let’s move toward the white cow with horns. Look at how tiny their hands are!

When you’re ready, let’s make our way toward the largest figure at the head of the table. Who is this magical creature?

Get as close as you’d like—remember, we’re invisible! Notice how they extend their hand out. It looks like they’re about to speak—what do you think they want to say?

Our time is coming to an end, so let’s make our way out of the painting. Then turn to whoever you’re with and tell them about what you explored!