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Audio art: Utterly in the picture

'The Supper at Emmaus' by Caravaggio

Talks and conversations | Talk
Date
Monday, 6 July 2026
Time
2 - 3 pm
Audience
For everyone
Accessible:
For blind or partially sighted

Free

Places are available on a first come, first served basis with priority given to blind and partially sighted visitors.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.

Please view our Access page for more information.


Donations welcome

About

Join us for an immersive, audio-described exploration of Caravaggio's 'Supper at Emmaus', accompanied by a live musical response.

In this focused session, Gallery Educator, Katy Tarbard, will guide visitors through a detailed audio description of the painting, drawing attention to Caravaggio’s dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as his striking realism and theatrical composition. Together, we will explore the moment of recognition as Christ reveals himself to his disciples, reflecting on themes of revelation, gesture, and surprise, alongside the historical and spiritual context in which the work was created.

Adding a further sensory layer, a live musical performance by musician and composer, Nina Plapp, will respond directly to the mood and atmosphere of the painting, offering a meditative soundscape that deepens and enriches the experience.

Designed especially for blind and partially sighted visitors, this event welcomes anyone interested in engaging with art through a more reflective, multi-sensory approach.

Sessions take place seated in front of the painting. Please meet in the advertised room, or at the Getty Entrance 15 minutes before the start time if you would like to be guided to the space. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.

To discuss any additional access requirements, please email: [email protected]


Katy Tarbard

Katy Tarbard has over 20 years of teaching and programming experience in gallery education departments, working to connect visitors of all ages with their love of artworks. Her areas of interest include the history of the National Gallery Collection and its methods of display. Her favourite artists include Titian, Turner and Van Gogh.

Nina Plapp

Nina Plapp is a composer and cellist from the UK; she studied Cello Performance at Trinity College of Music (LABAN) London. She composes for theatre, dance and mixed media projects and has had her music performed in the USA, China and the UK. She is the winner of the 'journey of a lifetime award' and produced a radio documentary for the BBC charting her musical adventure, exploring the music heritage of gypsy communities from Rajasthan to Romania.

Nina has performed with major international artists including Rox, Angie Brown (Fatboy Slim, Bizzare inc.), Alison David (Red Snapper), supported The Charlatans and The Flaming Lips, and was a regular player for Tam Wing Lun on his stadium tours.

Nina has also performed her music live on Midweek (BBC Radio 4) and composes for her own folk band 'Blue Slipper Music' who can be heard on BBC Introducing.