This podcast’s stated aim is to demystify art history and “return it to the masses,” one painting at a time. To that end, each episode begins with a montage of clips in which Tamar Avishai, an art historian, conducts off-the-cuff interviews with museum visitors, who share their impressions of famous paintings they’re standing in front of. Their insights drive home the point that you don’t need to be an expert to have meaningful things to say about art. Avishai then goes on to discuss the artwork’s creation and social context in depth, often with input from other art experts. Running the gamut from the Renaissance through to modern pop art, “The Lonely Palette” delivers accessible but detailed lessons with warmth and clarity.