The Essay: Blood and Bronze

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The Essay: Blood and Bronze: A Portrait of the Artist

25/03/2021

A Portrait of the Artist

Blood and Bronze

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, Blood and Bronze, A Portrait of the Artist

Professor Jerry Brotton explores the darker side of the Italian Renaissance.

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 ‘self-portrait’ by the hand of Cellini. But Cellini worked in gold and silver, bronze and marble. He didn’t 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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Jerry Brotton's explores Benvenuto Cellini and a darker side to the Italian Renaissance.

Professor Jerry Brotton recreates the life and work of the charismatic Italian artist Benvenuto Cellini and reveals the darker side of the Renaissance.

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