A Portrait of the Artist
Jerry Brotton takes a fresh look at the Italian Renaissance through Benvenuto Cellini, one of its most controversial artists. Also, a painting is found, which might be by Cellini.
Jerry Brotton is Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary University of London and wants us to take a fresh look at a period in European history usually associated with beauty, harmony and art. His approach contains a health warning: the Renaissance was a lot darker and violent than many of us have imagined. Retracing the life of Benvenuto Cellini through his shocking autobiography, Jerry reveals how this was a time of conflict as well as beauty, creativity as well as tyranny. And as he gets to grips with such a charismatic yet dangerous character as Cellini, a new discovery brings the story up to date. On the market for over $100 million, a Russian art dealer has offered a βself-portraitβ by the hand of Cellini. But Cellini worked in gold and silver, bronze and marble. He didnβt paint! Or did he?
Jerry Brotton is on the trail of a Renaissance man and a modern-day mystery.
Reader Marco Gambino
Producer Mark Rickards
A Whistledown Scotland Production
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- Mon 22 Mar 2021 22:45ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
- Mon 24 Jul 2023 22:45ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
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