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Description
This is the second programme in the Third Level Arts Course A.352, "Art in Italy 1480-1530". It was recorded at the Victoria and Albert Museum ard presented by Anthony Radcliffe, Assistan...t Keeper of Sculpture. The programme concentrates on Riccio's masterpiece, The Shouting Horseman, and looks at other small bronzes by Riccio and Antico in the Museum's collection. Anthony Radcliffe contrasts the function of small bronzes with large monumental sculpture and shows how they were displayed, handled, and who they were made for. The programme goes on to look in detail at Riccio's very personal style and the sources for some of its allegorical content. The Satyr and Satyress, although totally pagan in form, can be related to Christian humanist thinking of the time, and, with The Shouting Horseman, is a superb example of Renaissance bronze statuettes designed as private objects to be handled and admired by scholarly collectors.
This is the second programme in the Third Level Arts Course A.352, "Art in Italy 1480-1530". It was recorded at the Victoria and Albert Museum ard presented by Anthony Radcliffe, Assistan...t Keeper of Sculpture. The programme concentrates on Riccio's masterpiece, The Shouting Horseman, and looks at other small bronzes by Riccio and Antico in the Museum's collection. Anthony Radcliffe contrasts the function of small bronzes with large monumental sculpture and shows how they were displayed, handled, and who they were made for. The programme goes on to look in detail at Riccio's very personal style and the sources for some of its allegorical content. The Satyr and Satyress, although totally pagan in form, can be related to Christian humanist thinking of the time, and, with The Shouting Horseman, is a superb example of Renaissance bronze statuettes designed as private objects to be handled and admired by scholarly collectors.
| Module code and title: | A352, Art in Italy 1480-1580 |
|---|---|
| Item code: | A352; 02 |
| First transmission date: | 21-03-1979 |
| Published: | 1979 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:28 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Nick Levinson |
| Contributor: | Anthony Radcliffe |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Bronze; Riccio; Sculpture; Verrocchio |
| Footage description: | The programme opens with shots of Riccio's bronze statuette, The Shouting Horseman, Shots of Verrocchio's monumental statue of Colleoni, which stands in Venice. In voice-over Radcliffe comments on the heroic quality of Verrocchio's work. Shots of The Shouting Horseman, which is examined and its mood contrasted with the statue of Colleoni. Further shots of the two statues, over which Radcliffe explains why the tone of each is so different. Details of Riccio's horseman are examined closely. Radcliffe explains the derivation of particular details and comments on the intimate nature of the work. Shot of Radcliffe in the studio with several Renaissance bronze statuettes. He explains why such works were so popular in Italy. The camera examines Antico's gilded bronze of Meleager. Radcliffe explains that this work is a copy of a large Roman marble, an 18th century print of which is shown. Shots of two early 16th century paintings which show contemporary displays of bronze statuettes in Italian households. Radcliffe's commentary emphasises the everyday nature of these bronzes that were intended to be handled. Shots of a small bronze goat. Film of Radcliffe handling The Shouting Horseman in the studio. He indicates where the statue has been damaged. An x-ray of the tail is shown. Shots of Leonardo da Vinci's sketches of shouting soldiers which were used in his Battle of Anhiari. Radcliffe explains how Leonardo influenced Ricccio. Shots of a bronze relief by Riccio of the Victory of Constantine. Radcliffe indicates elements in this work that correspond both to the kind of sculpture represented by the statue of Colleoni and the Shouting Horseman. Further shots of the latter, over which Radcliffe briefly remarks on the method by which bronze statuettes are cast. Over shots of the bronze of Meleager by Antico. Radcliffe explains who commissioned the work. He then describes the University circles in which Riccio moved and who commissioned his work. Further shots of The Shouting Horseman. Shots of a highly ornamented lamp produced in bronze by Riccio. Radcliffe explains the numerous nautical references in the lamp, which is examined in detail. He also explains the allegory that the whole lamp is intended to represent. Shots of a massive bronze paschal candelabrum made by Riccio. Details of the work are examined, particularly a bronze statuette of a satyr. Radcliffe explains the Renaissance fascination with such figures. Shots of Radcliffe in the studio with Riccio' s intimate portrayal of a satyr and satyress. He explains the special charm of this statuette. |
| Master spool number: | DOU2866 |
| Production number: | FOUA031A |
| Videofinder number: | 821 |
| Available to public: | no |
