On Consolation by Michael Ignatieff

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On Consolation by Michael Ignatieff: 3. The Painting of Time

3. The Painting of Time

BBC Radio 4 - On Consolation by Michael Ignatieff, 3. The Painting of Time

Meditations on consolation turn to El Greco's 16th century depiction of Paradise.

Michael Ignatieff's exploration of the language and history of consolation turns to a glorious depiction of Paradise painted by El Greco in 16th century Spain. William Hope reads.

Michael Ignatieff's new book explores the language of consolation through a series of essays about figures in history, literature and art who  have confronted loss and defeat with hope, determination and resilience.  Today, the consoling power of a glorious depiction of Paradise painted by El Greco in 16th century Spain.  The reader is William Hope.

The historian, former politician and author has written a series of essays which look at how consolation has been portrayed in history, literature, philosophy and art. In each he looks at how figures from the past have consoled and been consoled when confronted by disaster and catastrophe. Here, we encounter, Job as he shakes his fist at the heavens, demanding justice for his suffering at the hand of God, and Cicero as his code of stoicism is challenged by personal tragedy. Then it is the turn of El Greco, and the solace to be found in depictions of Paradise, and Michel de Montaigne who finds comfort in the everyday and the ordinary. Lastly, an account of Cicely Saunders who was part of a mid-twentieth century movement to re-invent the hospice, an institution that has at its centre, compassion, respect and consolation for those approaching their last days.

Michael Ignatieff is a writer, historian and former politician. he has taught and some of the world's most prestigious universities and in 2022 is the President and Rector at Central European University in Vienna.

The abridger is Penny Leicester
The producer is Elizabeth Allard

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Michael Ignatieff explores the language of consolation through a series of five portraits

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