Italian Breakthrough
Sir Denys Lasdun on Brunelleschi Bridget Riley on Masaccio Henry Moore on Donatello
One of the most remarkable revolutions in the world of art took place in Florence in the early 1400s. It was primarily the work of three men: the architect Brunelleschi, the painter Masaccio and the sculptor Donatello. Across the gulf of 500 years their work still speaks to three contemporary British artists who, in the light of their own work, discuss the significance of their predecessors.
For Sir Denys Lasdun , architect of the National Theatre, Brunelleschi was ' a master not only of form and space, but also of detail.' Abstract painter Bridget Riley feels that Masaccio and herself are ' at each end of the western tradition.' Henry Moore finds Donatello's David perfect - but like a beauty contest -like Miss World, it's giving you a kind of superficial perfection.' To demonstrate Donatello's great humanity HENRY MOORE drew for us one of the sculptor's bronze relief heads-a drawing that is a work of art in itself.
Featured in the programme are many of the three artists' surviving works in Florence, and two which can be seen in Britain. The scene is set by Professor John Hale , Chairman of the Trustees of the National Gallery.
Film cameraman MARIO MASINI Film editor DICK ALLEN
Producer KENNETH SHEPHEARD Editor BRUCE NORMAN