Includes 16-page booklet examining many of the most famous works

God, Nature and Art

Born at the dawn of the 15th century in the Italian region of Mugello, near the birthplace of Giotto, Beato Angelico was a central figure of the early Renaissance. A contemporary of Masaccio, he was deeply influenced by his lessons, not only in the conception of space, but also in the interpretation of the relationship between nature and faith.

However, his interpretation of this relationship was less dramatic. For this reason, for a long time, his art was substantially underestimated and considered only to be the expression of a simple and devoted spirit.

In this absorbing programme we rediscover the genius of an innocent, devout and hardworking painter whose work developed alongside changes in religion, politics and art. We visit the locations of his great works, and the places which shaped them – including Florence and Rome – and follow his career from a teen novice to a leading name in art, and the Domician movement.

In glorious footage, including lingering close-ups, of his greatest works we see how a style which began by reflecting the serene simplicity of Christianity developed to adopt the evolving humanist ideals, intertwining the late Gothic and magical with realism. We explore how changing architectural styles, political upheaval and his rediscovery of classicism all influenced Beato Angelico’s masterpieces, but how a childlike innocence and simple sense of faith stayed at the heart of his work.

Each of the major works is carefully investigated and interpreted in the light of recent criticism.

"Brilliant dvds of the classic art & artists each with individual history of their career & works and detailed examples of their paintings & sculptures. Highly recommended." (Grahame, UK,  Jan 2017)