In this episode, we explore the intertwined lives of Friedrich Overbeck and Tommaso Minardi, two leading figures of 19th-century religious art. Both artists rejected the secular trends of their time, striving to revive the spiritual depth of Renaissance masters. Overbeck’s minimalist, abstract style contrasted with Minardi’s more realistic approach, yet both aimed to express deep spiritual truths. We examine how their friendship and differing visions shaped the Purist movement, leaving a lasting impact on religious art in Europe.

In this episode, we delve into the world of Purism through the life and work of Tommaso Minardi, a central figure in 19th-century Italian art. Minardi emphasized the importance of drawing as the purest form of artistic expression. His admiration for the early Renaissance “primitives” like Giotto and Fra Angelico led him to reject the classical styles of his time, advocating for a rediscovery of their spiritual and emotional depth. Minardi’s teachings at the San Luca Academy played a pivotal role in shaping the Purist movement and influencing European art.

In this episode, we explore the artistic partnership between Friedrich Overbeck, leader of the Nazarene movement, and sculptor Karl Hoffmann, whose works found a lasting home at Ushaw College. We dive into how their shared vision shaped religious art during the 19th-century Catholic revival in England. From Our Lady of Help to other notable commissions at Ushaw, Hoffmann’s sculptures, deeply influenced by Overbeck in Rome, became powerful symbols of faith and devotion. Discover how their collaboration left a spiritual and artistic legacy that still resonates today.

In this episode, we dive into the story of the Nazarenes, a 19th-century art movement that sought to blend religious reverence with rebellion against the secular art trends of their time. These German artists, disillusioned with the Enlightenment’s influence, moved to Rome to reconnect with the spiritual depth of early Renaissance masters up to Raphael. We explore how their distinctive style of sharp contours and symbolic imagery pushed boundaries while honouring tradition, leaving a lasting impact on the art world’s spiritual dimension. Reflections on Grewe's The Nazarenes.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of religious art in France from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, focusing on the transition from Saint Sulpice’s vibrant, mass-produced statues to the minimalist forms of modern sacred art. We discuss how figures like Maurice Denis and Father Couturier grappled with tradition and innovation, balancing religious expression with artistic change. Discover how these shifts reflected deeper social and spiritual tensions in a rapidly modernizing world, reshaping the visual language of faith.

In this episode, we dive into the surprising legacy of Fabiola, a 19th-century novel that became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring artists, sculptors, and even entire exhibitions. From Edward von Steinle’s paintings to Stefano Galletti’s neoclassical sculptures, Fabiola ignited a wave of creativity across Europe. We explore how this novel’s themes of faith, martyrdom, and resilience captured the imaginations of artists and why it continues to resonate in the art world. Discover how one book became an artistic movement.

In this episode, we explore a fascinating moment at the 1867 Paris World’s Fair, where Pope Pius IX commissioned a replica of the Roman catacombs. We delve into why the papacy chose to display this morbid yet symbolic exhibit at a time when progress and innovation were on full display. Through the work of archaeologist Giovanni Battista de Rossi, the replica became a statement of resilience, faith, and power. Discover how the past and present collided, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Rome’s Christian heritage amidst a world looking toward the future.

In this episode, we explore the vibrant spectacle of 17th-century Rome, where the city itself became a stage for grand festivals and elaborate celebrations. Architects like Bernini designed temporary structures, known as ephemeral architecture, transforming Rome into a theatrical wonder. Centuries later, these same spaces hosted high-profile fashion shows, echoing the grandeur of the past. Discover how Rome’s architectural legacy continues to shape public displays of power, art, and fashion in a city where history and spectacle collide.

In this episode, we are focusing on how 18th-century Rome’s apartment buildings embodied ideals of simplicity, harmony, and beauty. Architects like Raguzzini approached these structures with a sense of balance and integration, blending them seamlessly into the city’s urban landscape. From the use of curves to create flow and movement to fostering community through thoughtful design, we reveal how these buildings reflect the Arcadian vision of finding elegance and grace in everyday life. Reflections on Debenedetti's article, Middle-Class Rome: From the Baroque City to the European Capital.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating rivalry between Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen through the eyes of William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire. Exploring his collection at Chatsworth House, we discover how the Duke’s personal taste and diaries reveal his preference for Canova’s meticulous craftsmanship over Thorvaldsen’s more collaborative approach. We discuss how these two titans of neoclassical sculpture shaped the art world and how Cavendish’s curation tells a deeper story about the intersection of artistic process, collaboration, and personal connection. Reflections on Yarrington's Canova and Thorvaldsen at Chatsworth.