Watch Renaissance Unchained

Renaissance Unchained is a historical documentary series, produced by Xive TV and hosted by British art critic and writer Waldemar Januszczak. The show covers the sprawling period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries, commonly known as the Renaissance.

Across six hour-long episodes, Renaissance Unchained chronologically charts the development of art, architecture and culture in Europe during this time, from the birth of the Renaissance in the Italian city-states, to the Protestant Reformation and the scientific revolution. Along the way, Januszczak takes viewers on a journey through some of the most famous and fascinating artworks, buildings and personalities of this epoch, revealing the stories and histories behind them.

One of the strengths of Renaissance Unchained is Januszczak’s engaging and passionate presenting style. A well-established art critic, he brings an extensive knowledge of the subject to bear, whilst also infusing his analyses with a sense of humour and relatable anecdotes. An example of this is in the first episode, ‘The Birth of the Renaissance’, where he describes Florentine artist Giotto’s innovative use of perspective in his frescoes as ‘the PlayStation moment of the Middle Ages’.

Another key feature of the series is Januszczak’s determination to challenge the audience’s preconceptions about the Renaissance. Rather than a period of inevitable progress and enlightenment, Januszczak argues that the Renaissance was a time of contentious ideas, political upheaval and artistic experimentation. This is embodied in episodes such as ‘Radical Ideas’ and ‘Battle for the Medici Legacy’, which delve into the controversy and conflict surrounding artists like Caravaggio and experimental works such as Giorgione’s unfinished painting, La Tempesta.

Renaissance Unchained also benefits from its production value. The series was shot on location across Europe, including Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. As well as featuring the expected monuments such as Florence’s Duomo, the show takes viewers to lesser-known locations, such as a town in Germany where a unique, preserved astronomical clock still chimes the hour, and an Italian chapel whose walls boast some of the earliest examples of Renaissance frescoes.

One of the highlights of the series is its attention to the personalities behind the art. Rather than presenting artists as obscure figures remote from viewers’ lives, the show humanises them, addressing their personal lives, motivations, and desires. This includes da Vinci’s many skills, Michelangelo’s struggles with his sexuality, and the lesser-known story of the woman Renaissance artist Sofonisba Anguissola.

Despite these strengths, Renaissance Unchained is not without its flaws. At times, the show’s ambitious scope means that some topics and artists are underdeveloped or neglected. For example, the episode ‘Realms of Light’ covers the luminous Venetian school of painting, but spends relatively little time discussing its most famous exponent, Titian. Additionally, whilst Januszczak can be engaging, there are moments where his idiosyncrasies, such as his repeated mispronunciation of Italian names, may be frustrating for more informed viewers.

Overall, however, Renaissance Unchained is an informative and enjoyable documentary series that offers a fresh perspective on a commonly mythologized era. Januszczak’s wit and charm combined with the show’s stunning visuals make it an accessible and entertaining introduction to the Renaissance, whilst its willingness to challenge standard narratives opens up new avenues of interpretation for viewers of all knowledge levels.

Renaissance Unchained is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on December 23, 2015.