Ep 3. Picturing Paradise

In the third episode of season one of Civilizations titled "Picturing Paradise," viewers are transported to the Renaissance era where the concept of paradise in art takes center stage. The episode explores how the idea of paradise was depicted and interpreted in art during this time, with a focus on the works of three great artists from Italy, Flanders, and Germany.

The episode begins with a discussion on the emergence of paradise as a popular theme in art during the Renaissance and how it was influenced by factors such as the discovery of the New World, the exploration of exotic lands, and the influence of the ancient world.

To illustrate this point, we are introduced to Jacopo Torriti, an Italian artist who painted a breathtaking series of frescoes for the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome in the early 14th century. The show explores how Torriti's frescoes illustrate paradise as a garden of Eden, a utopian landscape much like the Tivoli gardens outside Rome, but with religious imagery and symbolism.

The show then moves on to Jan van Eyck, a Flemish artist who is celebrated for his technical skill and attention to detail. We learn that van Eyck's painting "The Ghent Altarpiece" is a masterpiece that depicts paradise as a lush, verdant garden in the foreground, with an intricate cityscape in the background. The painting's religious symbolism is explained, and we are shown how the artist's technique of using layers of glaze to create depth helped bring the work to life.

The third artist featured in the episode is Albrecht Dürer, a German Renaissance master. Dürer's work is seen as a reflection of his fascination with the natural world. In particular, his engraving "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" is analyzed, which depicts paradise as a wild and chaotic landscape, dotted with rocks, trees, and mountains.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is treated to stunning visuals of these artists' works, along with scenic views of locations, art galleries, and studios. The show is expertly narrated, and the information provided is conveyed in an engaging and accessible manner.

Overall, "Picturing Paradise" is a fascinating episode that takes the viewer on a journey through art history, exploring the concept of paradise and how it was depicted in Renaissance art. It is an episode that is sure to appeal to both art lovers and those who are simply curious about the world around them.