Florence, 1501: a city brimming with artistic ambition, political intrigue, and enough testosterone to fuel a thousand marble sculptures. Episode two of BBC Two’s Renaissance – The Blood and the Beauty finds Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo returning to a Florence transformed by Savonarola’s execution and the birth of the republic. Both masters, naturally, believe they are the only artist worthy of the city’s attention, setting the stage for a clash of egos and talent. Into this already volatile mix arrives a young Raphael, a prodigious artist who quickly catches the eye of patrons — and the ire of Michelangelo, who deems the newcomer a mere imitator.
With Florence’s newfound freedom comes a surge in artistic commissions, creating a fertile ground for rivalry. Leonardo and Michelangelo, each driven by a singular desire to be recognized as the city’s preeminent artist, find themselves locked in a struggle for supremacy. The series captures the intensity of this artistic arms race, with Michelangelo’s simmering resentment towards Raphael further complicating the already strained relationships. The episode cleverly frames these personal conflicts against the backdrop of Florence’s shifting political landscape, highlighting the intertwined nature of art and power during the Renaissance.
Narrated by Sophie Okonedo, the episode features Eddie Mann as Michelangelo, Jonny Glynn as Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dance as Old Michelangelo, and Joshua Duffy as Raphael, all dealing with the complicated web of artistic ambition and rivalry with considerable skill. Under the direction of Emma Frank, the episode nicely evokes the atmosphere of 1501 Florence, a time of both immense creativity and cutthroat competition.
Renaissance – The Blood and the Beauty airs Mondays at 9:00 PM on BBC Two.
