In this episode, we explore the 19th-century artistic rediscovery of Rome, focusing on how artists captured the city’s complex layers of history, from its ancient ruins to its Christian heritage. Far from the polished tourist sites we know today, these artists engaged with a Rome that was both decaying and majestic. We discuss how figures like Carl Friedrich Schinkel and Ippolito Caffi saw Rome as a dialogue between the ancient and modern worlds, and how their art reflected the city’s transformation. This episode reveals Rome as an evolving symbol, constantly reinterpreted through the eyes of its admirers.

In this episode, we delve into the world of neoclassicism, exploring its complex and dynamic history. Far beyond Roman columns and Grecian robes, we uncover how neoclassical artists navigated the intersection of tradition, innovation, and moral purpose. Through debates about beauty, power struggles, and movements within movements, we explore how figures like Jacques-Louis David and Antonio Canova shaped the era. We also touch on the rise of Egyptomania and the influence of art academies, highlighting how this artistic period was both global and deeply intellectual, leaving a lasting impact on modern art.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the “Square Colosseum.” Originally designed as a symbol of Mussolini’s fascist regime, the building has undergone a dramatic transformation over the decades, from a political monument to the headquarters of high fashion brand Fendi. We dive into the building’s controversial history, how it went from propaganda to pop culture, and the ongoing debate about whether architecture can ever truly be separated from its ideological origins. This is a story of art, power, and rebranding.

In this episode, we explore how the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the “Square Colosseum,” has been reimagined in four different films. Once a symbol of Mussolini’s fascist ideology, this imposing structure has since become a versatile canvas for directors like Fellini, Greenaway, Taymor, and Wimmer. Each filmmaker uses the building to reflect on themes like power, control, and history, from playful satire to dystopian futures. Through this exploration, we uncover how architecture can carry deep symbolism, transforming space into a powerful narrative tool across time and genres.

In this episode, we explore the legendary rivalry between two titans of neoclassical sculpture, Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen. Both masters of their craft, they transformed the art of sculpture in the late 18th and early 19th centuries with their contrasting styles—Canova’s sensual, emotional figures versus Thorvaldsen’s cool, precise forms. We dive into their groundbreaking techniques, the mythological inspirations behind their works, and how their rivalry pushed each to new heights. Through their stories, we uncover the drama, ambition, and lasting legacy of these sculptors.

In this episode, we explore the dramatic rebirth of the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le mura after its devastating fire in 1823. From the ancient connection to Saint Paul’s tomb to the architectural debates following the disaster, we uncover the story of how this sacred site was transformed. The episode delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, as architects like Giuseppe Valadier and Luigi Poletti navigated the balance between historical accuracy and innovation. Through this reconstruction, the basilica became a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and the Catholic Church’s enduring influence.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Arcadian Classicism in 18th-century Rome. Far from the typical grand narratives of ruins and gladiators, we uncover how the Accademia dell’Arcadia (Arcadian Academy) sought to harmonize classical ideals with the intellectual spirit of the Enlightenment. Through their pursuit of balance, order, and refined beauty, these artists crafted a new vision for Italian art, defining a national identity rooted in classical ideals. We delve into how Arcadian Classicism shaped the art world and left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Europe.

In this episode, we explore the rise of Baroquemania in late 19th and early 20th-century Italy, a period when the once-dismissed Baroque style made a dramatic comeback. We examine how Italy, newly unified and seeking a national identity, turned to Baroque art and architecture as symbols of grandeur and power. This resurgence wasn’t just about aesthetics; it reflected deeper cultural anxieties about modernity and order. Through the works of figures like Bernini and Wilde, we uncover how Baroque art expressed the tensions of the time, resonating with both traditionalists and modernists alike.

In this episode, we dive into the late 18th-century artistic revolution focused on the pursuit of simplicity and pure lines. Artists and architects sought a clean slate by returning to the minimalism of ancient Greece, using stark forms and clear lines to reimagine the purpose of art. From William Blake’s expressive watercolors to John Flaxman’s outline illustrations, we explore how this simplicity conveyed deep emotion. We also look at how global influences, such as Japanese woodblock prints, shaped this movement, making it a timeless reflection of the power of essential forms in art.