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Rebirth

Episode 10 of 10

Cellini’s violent life leaves behind a controversial legacy. And there is a final twist - the recent appearance of a painting alleged to be his self-portrait. Is it genuine?

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.

Cellini’s violent life leaves behind a complex and controversial legacy. And there is a final twist: the recent appearance of a painting alleged to be his self-portrait. But is it genuine? Jerry manages to track down the Russian art dealer who owns it.

Reader Marco Gambino

Producer Mark Rickards

A Whistledown Scotland Production

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14 minutes

Last on

Fri 4 Aug 2023 22:45

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  • Fri 2 Apr 2021 22:45
  • Fri 4 Aug 2023 22:45

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