AmaWaterways’ new alliance with Smithsonian Journeys has enabled us to offer a collection of more than 30 specially curated European sailings debuting in 2026. Each sailing features exclusive excursions and includes two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will offer incredible insights into their field of expertise and how it relates to the history, culture or traditions of the region.  

Expert Ashley Elston, who specializes in the art and architecture of early modern Europe, will be joining our Tulip Time Smithsonian Journeys/AmaWaterways departure embarking April 4, 2026. Learn more about her expertise and what she is most looking forward to during her journey. 

What inspires you most about studying art history?  

I came to art history not as an artist but as a historian who wanted to know about the past through evidence other than written documents. Art history is driven by questions - and we can ask so many different questions of an artwork. For example, when I study a Dutch painting from the 1600s, I start with questions about how people interacted with it and its production. Who made it? What materials did they use? Why did they choose those materials? How did they sell it? Who bought it? Why would they buy that painting? What did the subject mean at the time and place it was produced? Those are basic questions but then we keep following those trails and see where they lead - it's not unlike detective work. 

Why do you feel art is so important to our culture?  

We interact with visual culture everyday although we might not think about it in those terms. We live in a visually saturated time so becoming more aware of how images work and how we interpret them can be rewarding beyond a traditional "fine art" context.  

Who is your favorite artist?  

Judith Leyster, a Dutch painter in the mid-1600s, has been a great favorite of mine since I first learned about her in graduate school. She's best known for painting scenes of everyday life but in enigmatic ways that allow the viewer tremendous creativity in imagining the lives behind and beyond the glimpses in the paintings. I also find her critical reception over the centuries fascinating, particularly the ways in which art historians have painstakingly identified her paintings which have often been misattributed to male painters.  

What do you consider to be the “highlight” of your career?  

It's hard to identify one professional highlight because I've enjoyed many valuable experiences and opportunities because of my professional path. One achievement that stands out was earning a Fulbright Grant to live in Italy for nine months. That allowed me not only to do the research I wanted to do but was a cultural experience that continues to have an impact on me to this day.  

What do you enjoy most about being a Smithsonian Journeys Expert – and what are you most looking forward while cruising through the Netherlands and Belgium on your Smithsonian Journeys / AmaWaterways cruise?  

Going to historical sites, seeing artworks in person and eating great food are always treats, but the part I enjoy most about working with Smithsonian Journeys is getting to know the travelers. People who join a Smithsonian Journeys river cruise are curious, interesting and well-informed – it's a delight that with each new group I get to know more great folks! In terms of this itinerary, I'm looking forward to the new understanding of the numerous 17th-century Dutch and Flemish landscape paintings that feature local waterways. 

Your departure is scheduled to include a visit to St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, home of the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece painted by Jan and Hubert van Eyck. What do you find most striking about this piece?  

The Ghent Altarpiece is practically guaranteed to impress – all you need to do is get someone to look closely. The sheer level of effort in the detail and the incredible craftsmanship stands as a testament to the Van Eyck studio. Its wild history connected to the upheaval of the 20th century also speaks to the commitment the people of the area have had to preserving their cultural and religious landmarks. It's fantastic that it's now reunited, freshly restored and on public view. 

How do you think your expertise and insight will help shape guests’ experience in this region of Europe?  

My goal is to shape a narrative for the artistic heritage that we're experiencing together. I aim to provide a framework on which travelers can hang each day's itinerary. I also give a "behind the scenes" peek into the field of art history and how approaches, interpretations, sometimes even our factual knowledge has changed over the years. Far from being a static field, art historians are constantly asking new questions or coming to new conclusions.  

What do you hope guests walk away from your lecture(s) having learned?  

My talks are designed to give travelers a set of questions they can use to approach works of art on their current trip and in the future. I hope guests walk away feeling that visual art (or really any artform) is a valuable way to understand a culture.  

To join Ashley on our Tulip Time Smithsonian Journeys/AmaWaterways sailing departing April 4, 2026, or to learn more about our other departures, contact your preferred travel advisor or visit AmaWaterways.com/Smithsonian-Journeys.