The Essay: Blood and Bronze

Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: Blood and Bronze: Storming the Capitol

25/03/2021

Storming the Capitol

Blood and Bronze

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, Blood and Bronze, Storming the Capitol

Having built a career as a goldsmith, Cellini becomes a soldier during the Sack of Rome.

Having built a career as a goldsmith, Cellini turns soldier during one of the Renaissance’s most terrible moments: the Sack of Rome in 1527.

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. 

Having built a career as a goldsmith, Cellini turns soldier during one of the Renaissance’s most terrible moments: the Sack of Rome in 1527. As he defends the city, he melts down the pope’s jewellery as the fighting reaches its climax.  

Reader Marco Gambino

Producer Mark Rickards

A Whistledown Scotland Production

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Essay

Blood and Bronze

Storming the Capitol

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3